The future of Denis Zakaria (28) as Monaco was questioned earlier this week. An important player at Monaco since his move two years ago, and club captain since the beginning of last season, he started as the Principality Club on Saturday Le Havre AC defeated 3-1. In the aftermath of that victory, however, the midfielder was associated with a relocation of the club.
Reports stated that Al-Ahli was talking about conversations with the Principality Club to make a movement sound. However, the deal eventually fell on, where Monaco then officially confirmed the news:
“After several reports that have appeared in the media in recent days, the club wants to clarify the situation and informs that there will be no departure, between now and the end of the transfer window, for their captain, Denis Zakaria, who recently was the subject of an interest of a Saudi club,” read the statement, seen by Get French football news.
The CEO of Monaco, Thiago Scuro, was present alongside manager Adi Hütter when the club wanted to draw a line under the affair. “Despite all the efforts of Saudi, we had a good conversation with Zak. He likes to be here,” Hütter began.
Scuro added: “Denis is the captain. We have had many interactions for the past two years. It was not about convincing someone. It was about showing the facts and treating the offer with respect. We decided that the best option would stay here at Monaco. To think and discuss those topics and turn the page.”
Hütter said that Zakaria was not disturbed by the conversations and can play against Lille OSC on Sunday. It apparently had no impact on the dressing room, where Eric Dier is completely unaware of the reports.
“I don't know French media, so I knew nothing!” The Englishman joked. “I didn't even notice it and didn't notice anything like bag,” he added.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle – Reporting from Monaco