Saturday, 15th December, 2012
Brazilian midfield sensation Lucas Moura has spoken about why he ultimately chose to sign for Paris Saint-Germain and not Manchester United.
The Red Devils seemed in pole position for Moura for most of the summer and looked to be closing in on a deal while the player was competing for Brazil at the 2012 London Olympic Games.
But PSG waded in with a large bid for the 20-year-old, believed to be around the €40M mark, and Moura was only too happy to accept the French club’s offer, leaving Manchester United having missed out on the talent.
According to the player himself, financial reasons were not those which influenced him to head to Paris and not Manchester.
And Moura has explained just why he opted for PSG over Manchester United.
"With Manchester United, we were very close to an agreement", he told L’Equipe, "but I finally signed for Paris for several reasons.
"The challenge of forming a great team in Paris, because there are many Brazilians at PSG and also because by signing here I could stay at Sao Paulo until the end of the season."
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The midfielder also revealed the key role Brazilian Leonardo, PSG’s sporting director, played in the negotiations.
"Leonardo, yes it was he who convinced me.
"He told my parents and told me that I could stay until December and he told me the ambitions and goals of PSG."
Moura is set to find large expectations placed upon his shoulders at the Parc des Princes, with his reputation as one of Brazil’s brightest young talents having proceeded him.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti will surely look to Moura to power the club’s Ligue 1 title push and Champions League campaign.
Take a look at what the tipsters at Inside Bet. are tipping this weekend.
