Donny van de Beek reveals disappointment over failed Real Madrid move

Dutch footballer Donny van de Beek admitted on Thursday that he had reached an agreement with Real Madrid to join the Spanish club last summer and felt disappointed when the opportunity slipped away.

"Everything was settled with Real Madrid and the clubs had an agreement, but for some reason, it didn't materialize. Players who were supposed to leave the team stayed, and Madrid backed out," the footballer explained in an interview with the Dutch newspaper "De Telegraaf."

Following the failed negotiations, the international player pondered his future. "At first, you feel fed up and wonder if a similar opportunity will arise again," he commented.

However, Manchester United announced his signing for the next five seasons with the option to renew for one more, in a deal for which his previous team, Ajax, received 39 million euros plus five in variables.

The English club was not the only one interested in him. "I chose with my feelings, that's what I've done throughout my career. Money wasn't a problem because with all the teams that came forward, I didn't have to worry about that," he explained.

The imminent signing and the fear that a last-minute injury could frustrate the transfer led Ajax to take extreme measures. According to the Dutch newspaper, the club had Van de Beek locked in a hotel room for almost two days to avoid risks and did not call him up for the friendly match played last Saturday at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

"Manchester United is a dream, and of course, a great club in the best league in the world. I didn't have to think for a second when the opportunity presented itself," the player said about his new team. EFE