Thiago: I was never close to signing for Manchester United

Thiago Alcantara (L) is presented by Bayern Munich’s managing director Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. (Getty Images)

Thiago Alcantara has rubbished his father’s claims that he was not ‘close’ to signing for Manchester United. The Spanish midfielder was linked heavily with a move to United before signing for Bayern Munich.

Earlier this week, Thiago’s father, former Brazilian World Cup winner Mazinho, claimed that the 22-year-old was close to signing for the Old Trafford club.

Thiago told RAC1: “The truth is that in no moment did United come to us and talk to us. It came from the press, it was always a lie.

On his decision to leave Barcelona, Thiago said: “It’s unfair to say I wasn’t patient. The club knew my situation. I waited for them, especially before the European Championships, but they never contacted me. I didn’t feel valued.

“I wanted to compete. The club knew that I wanted to leave and they didn’t do much to change that. Everyone looks out for their interests, I wanted to feel valued and I wanted to compete so I decided to leave the club and join Bayern.

“I was waiting and waiting all summer, there was a point when I had to decide. All a footballer wants is to play football and I wanted to play, they [Barcelona] didn’t do much for me to stay, so here I am.”