MONACO HAVE COMPLETED the signing of Inter striker Stevan Jovetic in another sign that star forward Kylian Mbappe is closing on a move to Ligue 1 rivals Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG are reportedly closing on a deal that will see France’s teenage striker Mbappe join on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for €180 next season.
Leaked pictures this week showed Jovetic wearing Monaco’s number 10 shirt, which is currently worn by Mbappe at Stade Louis II.
And the Ligue 1 champions have announced the signing of the former Manchester City striker for a reported €11million fee on a four-year deal, which could now hasten Mbappe’s move.
“I’m very happy to be here,” the Montenegro international told the club’s official website. “AS Monaco is a big club that played in the semi-finals of the Champions League and won the French title last season.
“There are some great players on this team. That’s why I chose AS Monaco.”
Monaco executive vice president Vadim Vasilyev added: “We are very happy to welcome Stevan Jovetic to AS Monaco.
“He has evolved in the biggest championships and has the experience of the highest level. At 27 years old, he is a great player who is mature.
“We are convinced that he will find here all the conditions to fully express his talent.”
Jovetic scored six Serie A goals in 31 appearances in his two years at Inter, spending the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla.
Monaco have already lost Bernardo Silva, Benjamin Mendy and Tiemoue Bakayoko since winning the title last season.
But thus far Leonardo Jardim’s men have kept pace with big-spending PSG, winning their opening four Ligue 1 matches including a 6-1 battering of Marseille on Sunday.
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Oh yeah I’m sure he didn’t know a thing about it. Either way it’s a nice boost for the squad to hear their manager say that.
Can’t understand himself and Eddie Jines hopping on these podcasts and chucking people under buses. I reckon this second stint will end on a low; Wales do not have the calibre of players coming up which they previously had.
So basically saying I did no homework before rejoining. Hmm doubt that very much.
Really? No idea??
I mean I knew and probably every other rugby head on the 42…
His contract is fairly lucrative still though.. probably would have been better putting that money into sorting out regions..
A man on the decline inherited a good side and had success but it was more of Shawn Edwards work than his. He took all the glory but was eventually forced out went back home and failed, he must have thought all his christmas had come into one when asked to take the Welsh job now the excuses, he has got a chance with the draw for the World Cup but I can’t see it.The Welsh rugby union could have picked better but just panicked which just about sums them up
How can he say this with a straight face? The mans ego knows no bounds and he can’t cope with the responsibility of a failing Welsh team. He has to get in with his excuses first.
@Keyser Söze: listen to the podcast, he was laughing when he said it.
@Darragh Forrest: A good chunk of Gatland’s career involved him sneering or laughing at others. He will pocket the (serious) pay cheque while simultaneously making his excuses in advance. If I’m not mistaken, he has a multi-year contract, so a payoff is on the cards.
Have to say, I’m finding this Welsh Rugby turmoil quite amusing. Hopefully they leave the URC and join up with the remaining English sides. Be better for all parties involved.
I found his comments honest and positive, he’s not running away.