The Marouane Fellaini contract situation just continues to rumble on, now, the Belgian midfielder has announced that he is essentially holding Manchester United to ransom.
The United midfielder has had an up-and-down career at Old Trafford since his £27.5 million from Everton back in 2013. He was widely an unpopular figure during his first few seasons at the club, but has grown in both popularity and importance under Jose Mourinho.
The 30-year-old has been offered a new deal by club, with Jose Mourinho announcing at the weekend that he believes that he is close to signing it. However, in an open and quite frank interview with Sport Voetbal Magazine, Fellaini has denied that is the case:
“The entire staff is doing everything [so] I can stay,” said Fellaini.
“The club did not renew my contract last year. Now I am in a strong position, especially since Mourinho has stated that he wants to keep me.
“Last year I went to the coach and I said that I wanted a new contract. I then had a second meeting, but I will not ask it 10 times.
“Afterwards I became important for the team… and a good player costs at least €50 million. The club knows that they went wrong there.”
While Fellaini is still negotiating a deal with United, he is able to leave the club on a free transfer in less than two months time, and he is refusing to rule anything out ahead of the summer’s transfer window.
“I am now 30 years old, at the end of my contract and negotiating with Manchester United,” Fellaini added.
“There are several clubs that show interest. I’m waiting for what’s going to happen.”
He has been linked with Besiktas, PSG, Arsenal and Juventus in recent months.
