Denis Zakaria has suggested that signing for Manchester United was never an option for him due to interest from Juventus. With six months left to run on his contract, the Italian giants snapped up the Swiss midfielder from Borussia Monchengladbach during the January transfer window.
Amid an ongoing pursuit to sign a top-level player in that position, United were monitoring Zakaria before the Old Lady won the race for his signature in a cut-price agreement worth €4.5million. Since then, the 25-year-old has only played three Serie A games due to a hamstring injury.
However, the early signs are encouraging enough as he prepares to return to action. As for United, meanwhile, key figures in the Old Trafford boardroom are set to step up their push for midfield recruits this summer.
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During an interview with DAZN, the Swiss midfielder said: "After five years in Germany, it was important for me to start a new adventure. When I learned about the opportunity of joining Juventus, I didn't think twice about it. It's a great opportunity.
"I don't know if the league suits my characteristics, I'm a versatile midfielder and can adapt to every playing style. I did well in Germany and I think I can do the same in Italy."
On comparisons with Arsenal great Patrick Vieira and United star Paul Pogba, he added: "It's exciting to be linked to big players, but as I've always said, I am Denis Zakaria. I have my own style, with due respect to all footballers. I have special characteristics, I don't think I am a Pogba or a Vieira. There are many similarities, but I remain Zakaria."
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