Thursday, 25th September, 2014
William Carvalho insists he has never asked to leave Sporting Lisbon and is perfectly happy with the Portuguese giants.
The powerful midfielder was the subject of a bid from English outfit Arsenal over the summer transfer window but, with the player having a €45m release clause in his contract which the Gunners would not meet, stayed put.
And for the Portugal international that was not a problem as he is perfectly happy plying his trade with the Lions in Lisbon.
"Nobody heard me say I wanted to leave Sporting or that I was unhappy because I have a contract until 2018 and have always been satisfied here", he told the club's official magazine.
"As things have not gone so well at the beginning [of the season] people may think I am upset to have stayed, but they could not be more wrong."
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William also believes he can take his game to the next level with Sporting Lisbon.
"I feel I have to improve my tactical and defensive aspects.
"And being at Sporting can help me to develop. I can still give more and do better than last season."
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will rekindle their interest in William when the transfer window swings back open for business in January.
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