Eric Bailly told Anthony Martial’s Sevilla team-mates the striker “needed affection” after making the move from Manchester United.
The Frenchman joined the Spanish side on loan for the remainder of the season during the January transfer window, having made his desire to leave Old Trafford well known.
Martial has played twice since making the move to La Liga, having found his chances back at United severely limited, and although he hasn’t scored, he did grab an assist on his second appearance as he helped Sevilla to a 2-0 win over Elche last week.
Martial’s frustration at United was made clear ahead of the January window, with the striker telling Ralf Rangnick that he wanted to leave the club.
Before he made the move to Spain, Sevilla midfielder Joan Jordan spoke to his former Espanyol team-mate Bailly about the striker, with the United defender revealing what Martial needed from his move.
Speaking to MARCA about the club’s January signings, Jordan said: “Anthony [Martial], I talked to my friend and brother Eric Bailly, before he arrived, and he spoke well to me, that he needed affection and to feel important. Not bad.
“Very happy with the two additions [Martial and Tecatito Corona], which give us a leap of quality.”
Tell us how far you think United will go in this season’s Champions League below or here
Bailly himself has been the subject of speculation over his future at United, with the defender tipped to follow Martial out of the exit door in the summer.
The Ivorian had been linked with a move to AC Milan during the January window, although nothing developed as the 27-year-old represented his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
