Football News

‘Inter showed more conviction’ – Godin confirms he rejected Man Utd

By Ben Green

Published: 14:22, 28 July 2019

Inter Milan new boy Diego Godin has confirmed he rejected a transfer to Manchester United and opted for a move to Serie A because the Italian giants showed “more conviction than other clubs”. 

Godin, 33, called time on his illustrious nine-year stint at Atletico Madrid and joined Antonio Conte’ new charge as a free agent at the start of the month.

Godin’s links to Man Utd: Five things to know…

  • Godin was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer.
  • Jose Mourinho made no bones about the fact he wanted to sign a centre-back.
  • Godin, alongside Harry Maguire and Toby Alderweireld, were reportedly enquired about.
  • However, the Uruguayan refused to leave Atleti and wanted to honour the one year remaining on his contract.
  • That has since expired and he has joined the Milan outfit because “no club convinced me how Inter managed to”.

https://audioboom.com/posts/7317342-rodgers-has-helped-tick-the-boxes-for-maguire-s-manchester-move

The seasoned South American was heavily associated with a departure from the Wanda Metropolitano at this stage last year, with the Red Devils credited with a fervent interest.

However, Godin has since revealed he was committed to his contract in the Spanish capital, but once that deal expired at the end of June, Inter “came alive first” and showed the most desire to secure his signature.

“Yes, a year ago there was Juventus, Manchester United, in the past also Man City,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“But at that moment I had a contract in force with Atletico, I didn’t think of leaving. This time [move to Inter] it was different, I was near the end of my contract.

“But I can say that no club convinced me how Inter managed to. They came alive first and decidedly with more conviction than other clubs.

“They showed me the project: it’s ambitious, like me. And I liked the idea of ​​being part of it and being able to help Inter realise it.”

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Man Utd’s defensive hunt

There have been no secrets made about Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s intent to sign a new centre-back, with Harry Maguire the name most mentioned.

It is believed both the Red Devils and their cross-city rivals, Manchester City, have seen their respective overtures for the England international rejected by Leicester City.

The Foxes are reportedly holding out for circa £80m and Solskjaer will likely push the club’s top brass to submit an improved offer, especially given Eric Bailly’s injury suffered in pre-season.

The Norwegian’s current main centre-back, Victor Lindelof, has already welcomed Maguire’s potential arrival, and many United fans would certainly love to see a defensive partnership of this ilk come to fruition.