Felipe Anderson to Manchester United. Here’s a rumour which will never die, at least whilst the Brazilian media keep recalling it in every single transfer window.
The Lazio midfielder was on SporTV show Bem Amigos on Monday night, and besides speaking about his career, he was also asked if he’s changing clubs this summer.
Before he could answer that, the hosts changed the question and asked him if the Manchester United rumours were true, and Felipe Anderson confirmed it: “Two years ago, yes. After my season that was very good in the second year, there has always been a lot of speculation. It ends up that the player begins to think a lot about it and the focus goes away a little.
“In the last two years, I leave it with my sister who takes care of my things, with my agents. I’m enjoying my vacation now, I don’t even want to think about it. Of course it’s my career, my future, but I know the work I’ve done, and even what I have to do on vacation, take care of myself.
“Because if an opportunity shows up, or when I present myself at Lazio, I have to present myself very well.”
Then he was interrupted by former player turned pundit Roger Flores, who asked him if he was sad his potential Manchester United move collapsed. The midfielder replied: “Every player dreams of playing for a team like United.”
With five goals and fourteen assists this season, the 24-year-old continues to be one of Lazio’s main stars, even though he makes it clear he would be happy to play for a bigger club. His contract with the Italian side runs until 2020.
One year ago, an Italian reporter claimed to have overheard a conversation from the Lazio president saying he had agreed a deal to sell the player to Manchester United for €60m. True or not, this deal never happened, and there’s been no concrete reports of Jose Mourinho interest since.
Whilst there was reasonable doubt over how strong interest had ever been, Anderson confirming it shows there was some truth in the claims, but perhaps the Manchester United chance has been and gone for Felipe Anderson.
