Anthony Martial has admitted that the hefty transfer fee that has accompanied him from AS Monaco to Manchester United has concerned his loved ones.
The young French striker completed a switch to the Premier League on deadline day, moving to Old Trafford in a £36 million move—with the fee potentially rising to £58 million depending on various clauses [BBC Sport].
In moving, the 19-year-old became both the most expensive Frenchman and the most expensive teenager, but has admitted that his family are concerned about his considerable price tag.
“It’s football,” he began, speaking in a press conference during the international break, as reported by Le Parisien, “there are moments in a career which are difficult to manage, but it’s important to stay professional.
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“My close relatives were happy for me, even if the transfer fee does give you a bit of fear,” he continued.
“Now, I must stay inside my bubble and show what I know how to do.”
The youngster—who is yet to make his France debut—has a great deal to prove after crossing the Channel.
Established strikers such as Roberto Soldado have shown how hard it can be to transition to English football from a foreign league. Martial, cannot call upon the previous successes and consistency that Soldado, for example, could when he moved to Tottenham Hotspur from Valencia in 2013.
The forward has completed only one full league season, and didn’t even manage double figures last term for Monaco, scoring nine goals in 35 Ligue 1 outings.
It will be a big ask for Martial to begin to repay his considerable transfer fee…at least in the short term.