ROMERO WANTS TO BE NO.1
Sergio in for keeps £43m Silva deal
SERGIO ROMERO has no intention of quitting Manchester United and wants to become Jose Mourinho’s No.1 goalkeeper.
The Argentine star has played second fiddle to David De Gea at Old Trafford this season.
But Romero has been given added confidence following a run of games in the Europa League which culminated in him helping United beat Ajax in the final to secure Champions League qualification.
De Gea has been linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer and Mourinho would sign a big-name replacement if the Spaniard left.
But whatever happens, Romero is determined to remain at United and do all he can to become their first-choice keeper.
He said: “I chose to come here because of what the club is. It’s a huge club, one of the biggest in the world, and one of the things I couldn’t leave alone. I couldn’t say no.
Important
“I knew it might be a little harder here to play a lot. Last year with Louis (van Gaal) I played 12 games and I felt good, so I thought I could be important for the team in those moments, despite not playing a lot.
“With Jose I had a little more hope that I could play a little more. I’ve been able to show him I’m ® a keeper that can play for this club. You never know what’s going to happen in the future, so you have to keep working hard.
“I could be the No.1 or No.2, it all depends on hard work. But my intention is to stay.”
Romero hopes United’s Europa League triumph can bring a bit of joy to Manchester in the wake of the terrorist attack that killed 22 people.
He added: “We knew it would be a nice prize for the people, although obviously winning doesn’t change anything for the families affected.
“All we can do is try and bring a bit of tranquillity to the fans.” Antonio Valencia has signed a new deal to keep him at Manchester United until June 2019, with the option to extend for a further year.
The Ecuador star, who captained United in the Europa League Final, said: “United has been my life since 2009. I am delighted to sign a new contract.”