Fabinho Admits Frustration Over His Failed Move
Reuters / Kai Pfaffenbach
For much of the summer, the name that kept featuring in the transfer speculation was that of Fabinho. It was open knowledge that Man Utd and PSG were adamantly trying to secure his signature, amongst other top names in Europe.
But Monaco held out on all offers for him, not wanting to lose out on the 24-year old, after having already seen the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Bernardo Silva, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Benjamin Mendy making big moves over the course of the summer.
However, in a recent interview with Nice Matin, the defensive midfielder has revealed: “During the window, it was difficult because I was not sure if I would be staying. I was closer to leaving than staying. Playing in that context was not good. My head was elsewhere.”
He also talked about the toll that all the speculation and offers were taking on him: “Unconsciously, I was not giving my maximum. I was not trying to give a bad image, I could never do that. I was frustrated at the end of the window but I have turned the page.”
When United’s interest eventually died out after they signed Nemanja Matic from Chelsea, PSG emerged as another tempting destination. In fact, till the very last moment, the Parisian club was desperate to rope in the Brazilian as part of Mbappe’s sensational move, but the reigning Ligue 1 champions were headstrong in their intent of not parting ways with him.
Fabinho added: “I could not forget about what the club had promised me. I was sure I was right and I thought about fighting for it. But I discussed it with my friends, my family, my agent; it was not an easy decision. The image it would have given was not me. Even if it was the only solution, I did not want to clash with the club.”
Despite this transfer saga, his form hasn’t suffered one bit this season. With 14 appearances under his belt already, the talented player has cemented his spot as a regular, and is currently tied under contract till 2019.
Written by Naveen Kelvin 
A writer trying to craft the poetry within football. Purpose in life is to Make Good Art.