Fulham’s Timothy Castagne is currently with Belgium preparing for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against North Macedonia and Wales.
The right-back has been speaking to the Belgian media on a few topics related to Fulham and the national team. Le Soir have relayed his comments.
It was said to be ‘bit hectic’ for the Fulham player towards the end of the summer. The player admitted he had an opportunity to leave the Premier League club, with Juventus an option.
“It was a bit late for Fulham”
Castagne added he isn’t disappointed that Fulham didn’t sanction a move.
“There was a bit of movement, but it was a bit late for Fulham. The club didn’t have a replacement to let me go,” he said.
“I have no regrets or frustration about that, because there’s not much I can do about it. It’s part of football. Interest from Juventus? Among others.”
Towards the end of last season, the Belgium international lost prominence before picking up an ankle injury in May.
The defender is now pleased to have regained his form after overcoming fitness concerns earlier this year. He’s played 468 minutes from seven matches so far for Fulham this season.
“I feel great. I’ve found my place in the team again. And compared to last season, I’ve also got my form back. In January, I tore my tendon. So, I hadn’t been 100% for a while. But here, since pre-season, things have been better. Yes, it feels good mentally and physically,” Castagne explained.
Kenny Tete has been the first-choice right-back for Marco Silva this season.
The manager moved Castagne to the right side of defence when Tete was forced to miss the last two league games due to injury. Silva has also used Castagne in other positions.
When discussing competition with Tete, Castagne explained what makes it complicated for him at Fulham.
“The competition isn’t easy because we have different profiles. So, sometimes, even when I’m doing well, I don’t play because I don’t have the right profile for the coach’s system. That complicates things a little. If it were purely on merit, it obviously wouldn’t bother me. Therefore, it’s sometimes not easy mentally,” he added.
