‘Manchester United can achieve special things’ – Cavani signs one-year deal
Edinson Cavani has said he believes Manchester United can “achieve special things” after he signed a one-year contract extension.
The Uruguay international, 34, scored his 15th goal for United since joining on a free transfer last summer as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side made sure of a place in next season’s Champions League by beating Aston Villa on Sunday. Cavani, who also found the net four times over two legs in United’s Europa League semi-final win against Roma, had been in negotiations about extending his stay at Old Trafford for some time having initially signed a oneyear deal after leaving Paris Saint-Germain last year.
But despite the offer of a two-year contract with Argentinian side Boca Juniors, Cavani has decided to remain in the Premier League for another season having grown in influence in recent months. It is understood that Solskjaer and United’s board were keen to retain a player who has contributed nine goals from just 11 league starts.
“Over the season, I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents,” said Cavani. “I feel a deep bond with my team-mates and the staff who work behind the scenes here. They give me extra motivation every day and I know that, together, we can achieve special things.
“From the very first moment that I arrived, I felt the confidence of the manager. As a player, this belief gives you the perfect opportunity to play your best football and I want to thank him for that.“I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field. I’ve not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd and that is something that I cannot wait to do.”Solskjaer added: “I said when Edinson signed, that he would bring energy, power and leadership to this group and I haven’t been proved wrong, he has been everything I thought he would be and more.As coaches, we knew about his goalscoring record. However, it is his personality that has brought so much to this squad, he has a winning mentality and has an unequivocal attitude to everything he does.“Edinson is one of the last to leave the training ground and sets the tone for the upcoming youngsters with his approach to his profession every single day. I have always wanted him to stay and experience the way our fans will respond to him as a player, and this means he will hopefully get that opportunity.”
Having begun his career with Danubio in his homeland, Cavani moved to Europe to join Palermo in 2007 before moving to Napoli and then PSG, where he scored 138 goals in 200 appearances.