Godin claims his snub of Red Devils was all down to ‘personal reasons’

LONDON: Diego Godin has broken his silence on the reason he turned down a deadline-day move to Manchester United from Atletico Madrid

The defender emerged as a shock target for Jose Mourinho’s side after a £65 million (RM339 million) move for Harry Maguire fell through due to Leicester City’s refusal to sell their World Cup star.

But despite United triggering the 32-year-old’s £18 million release clause, Godin decided against a switch to Old Trafford, while stating it was not down to reports he had signed a new contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.

“I have had offers,” Godin said ahead of the UEFA Super Cup final against Real Madrid.

“Although I have decided to stay for personal reasons and I am only thinking about the final.

“But I have not extended my contract. I saw that news came out but I do not know where it came from.”

Despite United failing to land Maguire in the transfer window, the Red Devils have not given up in trying to sign the centre back and it has prompted Leicester to try and tie down his future at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester insisted during the transfer window that he was not for sale and it is now envisaged there will be no problems in putting the finishing touches to his new contract.

It is understood Maguire will see his pay packet jump from £45,000 per week to £75,000 per week, positioning the 25-year-old amongst the club’s top earners.

Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha gave Crystal Palace a huge boost yesterday by signing a new contract which will see him tied to the Premier League club till the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

The 25-year-old Ivory Coast forward — who is Palace’s joint highest Premier League scorer — has been a transfer target for several higher profile clubs.

However, Zaha, who has been with the Eagles since he was 12, has committed himself to Palace.

“Crystal Palace are delighted to announce that Wilfried Zaha has pledged his future to the club by signing a contract extension, which will see the Ivorian forward remain in south London until the end of the 2022/23 season,” read a club statement on their website.