Anthony Martial claims he turned down two huge clubs to join Sevilla after Man Utd exit
Posted Thursday, February 10, 2022 by Dailystar.co.uk
Martial departed Manchester United in the January transfer window, joining La Liga side Sevilla on loan for the rest of the season, but they were not the only club interested
Anthony Martial has claimed he rejected two European heavyweights to instead join Sevilla for the rest of the season in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman had endured a frustrating 18 months at Manchester United, during which time he scored just eight goals in all competitions.
He was finally able to call an end to that nightmare last month when he completed a loan move to Sevilla, who have launched an unlikely title challenge in La Liga this season.
But Julen Lopetegui was not the only manager interested in signing him, with Martial revealing two huge clubs also attempted to bring him in.
Anthony Martial has claimed he turned down moves to Barcelona and Juventus
According to the attacker, both Barcelona and Juventus also made attempts to sign him, but he rebuffed them in favour of Sevilla.
"For me it was the right decision because I knew I was going to play and for me playing was the most important thing,” he told Diario de Seville.
"Other big clubs tried to convince me but I preferred to come to Sevilla because I knew that Sevilla was a very good club, a family club. For me it was the right decision.
"It's true. Juventus tried to sign me. I was talking to my agent and told him that I preferred to go to Sevilla. It was the best option for me and my family.
Martial joined Sevilla on loan in January
"FC Barcelona spoke with my agent. But as I said, I spoke to my agent and told him: ‘My priority is Sevilla’. And when I say something to someone, I don't change it, I keep my word.
"Seville is playing very good football. He is playing the Europa League, he is second in the League. So for me it's perfect to be here.”
Juve and Barca both prioritised attackers in January and with Martial joining Sevilla, they signed Dusan Vlahovic and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang respectively.
While his time in Spain started with a disappointing goalless draw with Osasuna, Martial opened the door to extending his spell at Sevilla.
He endured a disappointing debut against Osasuna
"Everyone needs some adaptation. But I will try to do my best. I talk to the players to try to stay connected to the game,” he added.
"At the moment we are only here four months. I have a contract with Manchester (until 2024). But as I said before, in football you never know.”
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