Randal Kolo Muani has explained why he turned down Manchester United and Tottenham to join Juventus.
United have been long-time admirers of the Paris Saint-Germain forward. He was on their shortlist in the summer of 2023, only for him to join PSG from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth around £88m, as United signed Rasmus Hojlund instead.
As reported by The Manchester Evening News, Kolo Muani was back on United's radar this month as they look to strengthen their swashbuckling frontline. Another struggling side, Spurs, were also believed to have the 26-year-old.
Inspired by the series of legendary Frenchmen who have also played for the Serie A Giants over the years, he has decided to go to Italy instead. Kolo Muani will spend the remainder of the season in Turin, with Juventus paying a loan fee of £834,000 (€1 million), plus additional fees of £2.1 million (€2.6 million)
Explaining the reasons behind his decision, he said via Tuttomercatoweb: “I am happy to have arrived at a legendary club. I'm proud to wear this shirt and play in front of these fans.
“Among the many French players who have written the history of Juventus, I cannot but mention [Zinedine] Zidane, but also [David] Trezeguet. Coming to more recent times I would say Paul Pogba and obviously Khephren Thuram who is doing very well here.
“I had a long conversation with the manager [Thiago Motta]. He told me about his ideas and convinced me to sign. I can't wait to start training and get on the field. “
Kolo Muani, whose loan could become permanent in the summer, said he was open-minded about his role in the team, adding: “Playing is enough for me, I will do where the coach asks me.
“If I really have to choose, I will say centre-forward because I think it is the role where I can express myself best. I know that Serie A is a very difficult championship, where I think I would like to test myself. '
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou addressed the club's interest in Kolo Muani earlier this month. The Australian said: “We have been interested and looked at a number of players, but have we gotten to the point where we thought he was coming to us? No.”
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