Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot has spoken of his “luck” in turning down the opportunity to join Manchester United this summer.
The France international was in negotiations to move to Old Trafford this summer but the proposed move subsequently collapsed over the midfielder’s hefty wage demands, which United were unwilling to match. It came after the two clubs had agreed a fee – believed to be worth £15.2m.
United ultimately strengthened their midfield with the addition of Casemiro from Real Madrid, bolstering a squad who had already secured the addition of Christian Eriksen as a free agent following the expiration of his contract at Brentford.
The pursuit of Rabiot and subsequent collapse of the deal had continued a chaotic summer of transfer activity from United which drew no shortage of criticism. The failure to secure a deal for the midfielder had followed a summer-long chase of Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong.
Rabiot has subsequently been a mainstay in the Juve midfield this season, starting 16 matches across all competitions in a tumultuous few months for the club. Despite domestic results stabilising in recent weeks, Max Allegri’s side suffered an embarrassing Champions League group stage exit – losing five of their six matches.
The performances of Rabiot at the Turin-based giants have drawn criticism over the years but he has impressed in the heart of their midfield this campaign, particularly in the absence of Paul Pogba – who returned to Juve following the expiration of his contract at United this summer.
Have Your Say! Did Man Utd make the right choice in signing Casemiro ahead of Rabiot? Tell us what you think here.
Rabiot, 27, has now been included in the France squad for this month’s World Cup in Qatar and is expected to play a key role for his nation – particularly in the absence of Pogba and Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante.
The midfielder has now opened up on his discussions with United – although he does not directly name the club in the interview – and how he believes he made the right decision to turn down a move to the Premier League and stay in Serie A.
Rabiot explained on Gazzetta dello Sport : “It’s true, there were contacts with Premier League clubs, but in the end, I was lucky to stay, perhaps it was the best decision. The Premier League is the most followed league, but I don’t think about the future. I am focused on the World Cup. The club and I are in no hurry (over a contract extension), there’s serenity so we can consider all options.”
