Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has confirmed that he snubbed interest from Juventus and Barcelona to join Sevilla on a short-term loan deal.
The Frenchman was initially on the radar of Sevilla last month, but the La Liga outfit were put off after the Red Devils demanded his entire £250,000-per-week wages to be paid.
Juventus and Barcelona were thereafter linked with the 26-year-old, but he was always determined to join Sevilla. He eventually signed for them, but there were financial sacrifices made.
It was clear that the club were unwilling to meet his full wages. Martial accepted a pay-cut to push through a move. He has now confirmed it through his interview with Diario de Sevilla.
He said: “It’s true. Juventus tried to sign me.
“I was talking to my agent and told him I preferred to go to Sevilla. It was the best option for me and my family. FC Barcelona talked to my agent.
“But as I said, I spoke with 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.
“I have less salary, but I also know that paying my salary is an effort for the club. So both of us have made an effort.
“For me, it was the right decision because I knew I was going to play and for me playing was the most important thing.”
Our view:
Martial was largely out-of-favour under manager Ralf Rangnick, registering just eight minutes of competitive action.
Hence, there were no surprises that he was loaned out. The decision to join Sevilla seemed the most worthwhile option.
While Juventus and Barcelona were lucrative choices, Martial would have struggled to nail down a regular starting role amid fierce competition.
The Andalusian club were willing to offer him that assurance, but he will need to prove himself to cement his spot over the coming months.
His debut was far from convincing for manager Julen Lopetegui last week. The 55-year-old insisted that he wants ‘much more’ from him.
Martial can’t take things for granted and needs to step up with regular goal contributions to sustain his place in the first XI.
A strong stint could see him revive his United career under the new manager next term. The club could also benefit by selling him for a good price.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
