Matteo Darmian proud to wear Man Utd shirt and insists: 'I'd do it all over again'

Manchester United via Getty Imag
Tom Doyle9 September 2019

Matteo Darmian insists he would sign for Manchester United "all over again" despite playing under 100 games in four years at Old Trafford.

Darmian joined Louis van Gaal's United in July 2015 as a versatile full-back who could play on either flank, and made 28 Premier League appearances during his first season.

A further 18 League appearances following the next season, but Darmian's chances began to dry up under Jose Mourinho with 17 outings in all competitions in 2017-18.

Darmian featured just seven times last season under first Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka confirmed that the new coach did not see the Italian as a viable option on the right flank.

It was no secret that United had been open to offers for Darmian for months, and the Italy international had been linked with a move to Juventus to replace Joao Cancelo this summer.

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However, Darmian eventually signed for Parma on the European transfer deadline day, agreeing a four-year deal with the Serie A side.

While other players have left United under a cloud recently, Darmian's professionalism and refusal to publicly agitate for a move were warmly received by United fans, with many social media posts wishing the defender well on the next step of his career.

Darmian's lack of appearances for United means he has not played for the Italian national team since 2017 - but even with the benefit of hindsight, he insists that moving to United was not a mistake.

"Signing for Manchester United was easy," Football Italia quotes Darmian as telling reporters at his unveiling on Friday.

"it was a source of pride and responsibility to wear such an important shirt.

"It’s an experience I’d do all over again, on and off the field. I really wanted to play and the lure of returning to Italy pushed me to leave Manchester.

"A professional must always accept the coach’s decisions. You have to work hard to be ready."

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Regarding his move to Parma, Darmian said: "I’m available to the coach. I give my best in every training session, regardless of what role I play.

"I chose Parma because I wanted to play and the club really wanted me. I’ve been following Italian football and Parma’s growth, which I think is still going.

"Everyone here has made me feel at home, I feel really happy. I’ve not been here for long, but I’ve already had the chance to meet different people who work for the club and they’re all exquisite."

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