express– Edinson Cavani has ended speculation over his future by signing a one-year contract extension with Manchester United. Cavani has been a revelation since signing for United on a free transfer last year after his deal with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
The 34-year-old striker has scored 15 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions, with eight of those coming in his last seven matches for the club.
With Anthony Martial injured, the Uruguayan has stepped up to the plate, providing a focal point for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
Solskjaer has made it clear that the club wanted to keep him for another season, but rumours have swirled over his future as he has neared the end of his deal.
Boca Juniors were said to be interested in signing Cavani on the expiry of his contract at the end of June, with the desire to be closer to his family in Uruguay frequently cited as a reason behind the move
However, after coming off the bench to score in United’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Sunday, Cavani has committed himself to United for another season.
“Over the season, I have developed a great affection for the club and everything that it represents,” he told the club website.
“I feel a deep bond with my team-mates and the staff who work behind the scenes here. They give me extra motivation every day and I know that, together, we can achieve special things.
“From the very first moment that I arrived, I felt the confidence of the manager. As a player, this belief gives you the perfect opportunity to play your best football and I want to thank him for that.
“I have been touched with how much the supporters have wanted me to stay, and I will give everything to bring them happiness and joy with my performances on the field.
“I’ve not yet been able to play in front of the Old Trafford crowd and that is something that I cannot wait to do.”
Cavani scored twice in both legs of United’s Europa League semi-final victory over Roma and his work with United’s young players has been applauded by the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
Solskjaer has led the campaign to convince Cavani to stay, frequently praising him in press conferences, and the Norwegian admitted that he is delighted to get his man.
“I said when Edinson signed that he would bring energy, power and leadership to this group and I haven’t been proved wrong, he has been everything I thought he would be and more,” Solskjaer said.
“As coaches, we knew about his goalscoring record. However, it is his personality that has brought so much to this squad, he has a winning mentality and has an unequivocal attitude to everything he does.
“Edinson is one of the last to leave the training ground and sets the tone for the upcoming youngsters with his approach to his profession every single day.
“I have always wanted him to stay and experience the way our fans will respond to him as a player, and this means he will hopefully get that opportunity
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