Many players may view a move to Manchester United as the pinnacle of their professional careers, but Matteo Darmian, signed from Torino in the summer window, has made the shocking claim that his move to the Red Devils is only the beginning, and should not be viewed as his ‘apex’.
Darmian penned a four-year deal with the Premier League heavyweights in July, and looks to be the solution that they have been craving at right-back following the retirement of Gary Neville – who has proved difficult to replace.
He has started each of United’s four domestic games thus far this season, and looks set to be the firm first-choice with no real competition for a place after Olympique Lyonnais signed Rafael da Silva last month [via manutd.com]. Antonio Valencia is another option for the role, but is not a natural right-back, having initially made his name as a right winger.
However, despite his rise from a mid-table Serie A side to one of the biggest clubs in the world, Darmian is unfazed, and suggests that his ambition stems further than the Theatre of Dreams.
“I want to stay true to myself,” he told told Italian publication Corriere della Sera, as quoted by the Daily Express.
“I am someone who worked hard to get where I am today and I intend to continue doing that.
“Manchester United is a beginning and not the apex of my career.”
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Darmian is currently on international duty with Italy, as they battle with Croatia and Norway for top spot in Euro 2016 Group H, and the defender looks set to start in their qualifying match against Bulgaria on Sunday night.