MY ACCOUNT
Anthony Martial revealed that Barcelona and Juventus both attempted to sign him in January, but the forward chose Sevilla as “the best option” for him and his family.
Julen Lopetegui’s side brought the France international in on loan until the end of the season after limited opportunities under Ralf Rangnick at Manchester United.
Rangnick confirmed in December that the 26-year-old wanted away from Old Trafford due to a lack of chances – he had played the full 90 minutes of a game only once this season and featured for just eight minutes since the German’s first game.
But the destination of Martial’s move might have been different, with the former Monaco man revealing both Juve and Barca were interested in his services.
“Juventus tried to sign me,” he told Diario de Sevilla in an interview released on Wednesday.
“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.
“For me it was the right decision because I knew I was going to play and for me playing was the most important thing.
“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.”
The Bianconeri subsequently brought in Dusan Vlahovic from Fiorentina in a deal potentially worth €80million, with the Serbia star scoring on his debut against Hellas Verona on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Barca managed to sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who terminated his contract with Arsenal, and Adama Traore on loan from Wolves to bolster his attacking ranks, which also include Ferran Torres after his arrival at the start of January.
The finances of Martial’s loan were not revealed, but he confirmed he agreed to lower wages to secure a move to Spain as he looks to impress France boss Didier Deschamps ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
“Both Sevilla and I have made an effort so that I could come,” he responded when asked about the finances behind the agreement.
“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.”
On World Cup selection, he added: “Yes. It is one of my goals. I want to do it because the last time I was not in the World Cup and France won it. So I’ll do my best to be there this time.”
Martial will be hoping to make an impact on Friday when Sevilla host Elche as Lopetegui’s men look to cut the six-point gap on Real Madrid at the summit of the Spanish top flight.
