Rojo: I went on strike to force Manchester United move
The Argentina international admits he got so angry he refused to train when it seemed as though the transfer would fall through – until Juan Sebastian Veron changed his mind.
MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER Marcos Rojo has confirmed he went on strike at Portuguese giants Sporting to help force through a move to Old Trafford.
Rojo joined United in a protracted £16 million deal before the transfer window closed in August, with out-of-favour winger Nani moving in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.
However, the transfer was in danger of collapsing amid third-party ownership problems between Sporting and Doyen Sports, who owned 75 per cent of the player’s rights.
Advertisement
The dispute led to Rojo walking out on Sporting, before former United and Argentina international midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron stepped in and urged his countryman to return to work.
“It was a huge surprise when I was told United wanted to buy me,” Rojo, currently sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, told reporters.
“I was in Portugal when my representative told me. He asked me to stay calm but I could not. I started living this dream.
“I could not think of anything else. I would call him every day, but when it seemed the transfer would not happen then I refused to work with Sporting.
“That was when Veron played his part in the process. He was like a strict father to me, scolding me.
“Veron called me one day when I had refused to train with Sporting and said ‘Do not be stubborn. If Manchester United wants a player then they will not let you escape.’
“And so I went back… and the transfer went ahead.”
Rojo: I went on strike to force Manchester United move
MANCHESTER UNITED DEFENDER Marcos Rojo has confirmed he went on strike at Portuguese giants Sporting to help force through a move to Old Trafford.
Rojo joined United in a protracted £16 million deal before the transfer window closed in August, with out-of-favour winger Nani moving in the opposite direction on a season-long loan.
However, the transfer was in danger of collapsing amid third-party ownership problems between Sporting and Doyen Sports, who owned 75 per cent of the player’s rights.
The dispute led to Rojo walking out on Sporting, before former United and Argentina international midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron stepped in and urged his countryman to return to work.
“It was a huge surprise when I was told United wanted to buy me,” Rojo, currently sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, told reporters.
“I was in Portugal when my representative told me. He asked me to stay calm but I could not. I started living this dream.
“I could not think of anything else. I would call him every day, but when it seemed the transfer would not happen then I refused to work with Sporting.
“That was when Veron played his part in the process. He was like a strict father to me, scolding me.
“Veron called me one day when I had refused to train with Sporting and said ‘Do not be stubborn. If Manchester United wants a player then they will not let you escape.’
“And so I went back… and the transfer went ahead.”
Cool as you like: Xherdan Shaqiri with a deft finish for Switzerland last night
Keane and Gibson released from Ireland squad as attention turns to USA friendly
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Faustino Rojo Football Manchester United Premier League Sporting Lisbon strike on here UK Football