Soccer

Edinson Cavani plays down talk of Manchester United exit

Uruguayan’s father had suggested a move back to South America might be on the cards

Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani dispelled talk of a move away from the club. Photo: Adrian Dennis/AFP via Getty Images

Wed Mar 10 2021 - 07:48

Edinson Cavani says he is proud to wear the Manchester United shirt after his father had suggested the striker could be set to quit the club and move back to South America to be closer to his family.

Cavani uploaded a photo of himself playing in February’s 3-3 draw with Everton to his Instagram on Tuesday, along with the caption “Proud to wear this shirt @manchesterunited.” The 34-year-old joined the Red Devils on a free transfer last summer and has hit seven goals in 25 appearances so far this season.

The Uruguayan originally signed a 12-month deal at Old Trafford, with the option to extend the agreement by a further year. But there are now suggestions he is ready to reject an additional season with United, with his father, Luis Cavani, claiming the striker does “not feel comfortable”.

“There is a 60 per cent chance that Edinson will come to South America,” Luis Cavani told the TyC Sports network. “We are very anxious. We have always been to visit him, he has been in very beautiful places where people have received him very well.

READ MORE

“He has made himself loved, he has made many friends, but today he does not feel comfortable where he is,” Cavani Sr added. “He has been thinking for more than two years that he wants to be closer to his family and that is the reason why I think Edi is going to end up playing for a team from here in South America.”

Cavani’s father went on to suggest a move to Argentinian outfit Boca Juniors could be on the cards in the future. “I would like him to go to play for a team that has a chance of winning something,” he added.

“We have spoken with Edinson and he always leans towards Boca because he had many conversations with [Juan Román] Riquelme. I know that he would like to play and be close to his country, so that we could be closer to him.”

In December, Cavani was handed a three-game ban and fined £100,000 by the FA after pleading guilty to a charge of using insulting and/or improper words. Cavani used the phrase “Gracias negrito!” in a post to a friend on his Instagram story; he accepted the charge but stated there was no racist intent behind his message.