Manchester United completed the signing of striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna in a deal worth €42.5 million. This is just over his €40 million release clause but allows United to pay it in installments rather than at the same time.
Zirkzee became the first signing for Manchester United in their new era under INEOS. After the move was announced, the striker spoke about the transfer, telling the club’s website:
“Yeah, it’s been a roller-coaster the past few weeks, but some very good experiences. I’m very happy to be here. Obviously (I’m arriving) at a good point, making a transfer to Manchester United is obviously something very positive, so yeah, I just can’t wait to get started and continue what I basically did last season.”
Zirkzee is around 1.93 meters tall but isn’t a traditional No. 9. He’s really good with his feet in terms of dribbling and holding up play, and he’s good in linking up with teammates in attack as well.
He credited his ability to his surroundings in childhood, saying:
“As a young boy growing up, playing mostly with tougher, bigger guys who are older than you make you adapt, so I think that’s something that you learn at a young age in Holland, especially where I grew up. (I’m a) creative player, good with the ball, I’m just a bit unpredictable at times.”
Zirkzee also reminisced about how he sometimes got into trouble with his mother for breaking things in the backyard or for coming home late after playing football all day. The new Manchester United striker said:
“I hope she forgives me now for all the times I came home late, or if I broke something in the backyard. Eventually it all worked out pretty well but yeah, that was just life back when I was younger, playing football, forgetting about the time and getting back home late.”
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Joshua Zirzkee shares thoughts on training under Erik ten Hag and Dutch and Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy
Joshua Zirkzee will have some compatriots at Manchester United in manager Erik ten Hag and Dutch legend Ruud van Nistelrooy. The latter joined Ten Hag’s staff earlier this summer.
Zirkzee spoke about the opportunity to work with the duo, saying:
“Manchester United is a great, huge club so it’s just an extra privilege and benefit for me. Having some Dutch people around obviously makes it a bit easier, (but) to be fair I’m an easygoing person, I’m not too difficult adapting.
“Obviously when I was younger, watching the Dutch national team, Manchester United, watching (Van Nistelrooy) play, he was one of the guys who you were pretending to be when you were out playing with friends. So having him out here is obviously a bit special, it’s great.”
Zirkzee scored 12 goals and contributed seven assists in 37 games across competitions for Bologna last season. He helped them finish fifth and qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
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