Manchester United desperately searched for a new centre back this summer transfer window, but for various reasons came up empty in the end. Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld, Yerry Mina, Jerome Boateng and Diego Godin were some of the many names linked to Old Trafford, who ended up not signing a single player after July 3.
Godin explained why he rejected other clubs in order to stay at Atletico Madrid during a press conference at the Lillekulla Stadium in Tallin, Estonia. Diego Godin and his teammates will face intra city rival Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup tonight; the traditional clash between the previous season’s Champions League and Europa League winners.
Godin shot down reports claiming he’s extended his contract with Athletico, but verified the offers he received from other clubs. Godin as quoted by beinSPORTS:
“I’ve not renewed my contract. I’ve rejected many offers to stay here, for personal reasons, but I have not renewed.”
United, and also Juventus, are reportedly among those “many offers.”
Gabi Fernandez left Athletico to join Al-Sadd, and thus a created an opening for the team captaincy. It is Godin who will fill that void and wear the arm band in the cup game this evening.
“I am happy and proud, and above all, I feel a lot of responsibility wearing the armband of this team, with teammates I’ve been working together with for so long, and the coaches too,” Godin said about the tremendous opportunity presented to him in the UEFA competition opener.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, is currently a regular contributor to SB Nation, WGN CLTV and Chicago Now.
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