Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 6y

Matteo Darmian open to Italy return but holds no regrets over United move

Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian says he still follows Italian football and would consider returning to Serie A if the opportunity were to arise, but he is happy with his decision to move to Old Trafford two years ago.

Darmian moved to United from Torino in 2015, although he has struggled to hold down a regular starting berth since making 28 appearances in his first campaign in the Premier League.

Last term, the Italy international played only 18 times, while he has featured just once this season -- in the only league game United have not won, a 2-2 draw at Stoke City.

Darmian, nevertheless, says he will fight for his place, although a return to Italy would be something he might consider.

"I don't regret the decision I took," he told a news conference while on international duty with Italy. "I would make the same decision over and over again. Obviously like every footballer I would like to be playing as much as possible, but I am working hard, putting in the effort and trying to make the manager's decisions difficult, and I'll continue to do that.

"I won't deny that I always watch Italian football and I don't know what will happen in the future. If there is an opportunity to return, then I'll make the necessary evaluations."

Darmian would not see a return to Serie A as a step down from the Premier League.

"They are just two different styles of football -- the Premier League is more physical and less tactical and this can make for a quicker, more dynamic game," he said. "If Juventus were to play in the Premier League, they have enough quality that they would be able to challenge for the title."

Darmian's contract with United runs to 2019. He was linked with a move to Juve in the summer, but they instead signed his compatriot Mattia Di Sciglio from AC Milan, while also keeping Alex Sandro following the departure of Patrice Evra.

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