Anthony Martial has confirmed he rejected interest from Juventus and Barcelona to seal a January loan move to Sevilla from Manchester United.
Martial joined Sevilla for the rest of the season after falling out of favour at Old Trafford over the previous few months. Fitness trouble and poor form had contributed to the Frenchman making just two Premier League starts in the first half of the campaign and scoring only once.
Juventus and Barcelona were both heavily linked during the transfer window, but it was Sevilla who completed a loan deal after winning the player’s attention.
“It's true Juventus tried to sign me,” he told Diario de Sevilla. “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.
“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.”
90min revealed ahead of the loan being completed that Martial agreed to reduce his wages to make it possible after the financial details of the deal initially proved to be a sticking point.
Martial has confirmed that point, explaining: “Both Sevilla and I have made an effort so that I could come. I have less salary, but I also know that paying my salary is an effort for the club. So we've both made an effort. But I know that this effort will be good for both parties.”
Sevilla are second in La Liga, six points behind leaders Real Madrid but seven points ahead of third place Real Betis. The club haven’t been crowned Spanish champions since 1945 but it is hoped the additional firepower brought by Martial will give them a chance to end that drought.
However, Martial will need to up his game. The 26-year-old played 77 minutes of a 0-0 draw against Osasuna at the weekend and coach Julen Lopetegui concluded he ‘must give more’.
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Source : 90min