Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 7y

Man United's Andreas Pereira: Jose Mourinho comments 'didn't hurt me'

Andreas Pereira insists Jose Mourinho's disappointment at his decision to leave Manchester United for Valencia is a good thing.

Mourinho questioned Pereira's desire to fight for a place at Old Trafford after the midfielder decided to leave on loan, but the 21-year-old says he has been buoyed by the United manager's comments rather than hurt by the criticism.

He told Marca: "It didn't hurt me. I spoke to him before I came here. I'm happy that he wants me and I think to myself that if I wasn't a good player he wouldn't have wanted me to stay.

"I look at the positives. If I thought negatively those comments could have hurt me but for me it's something good. I spoke to him before I came and I wanted to work hard and stay the whole year. I'm focused on Valencia.

"I want to give my all and do the best I can in order to be at Valencia the whole year. I was told that I was going to play here a year and I want to remain here a year."

Pereira signed a contract extension at United before signing a season-long loan deal with Valencia.

The Brazil youth international said he decided to move after finding himself on the fringes of Mourinho's squad despite an impressive preseason.

Pereira added: "It was difficult because they wanted me to stay in Manchester but for me personally and regarding the options I had of playing, it was better to come here.

"That is why it was better to come to Valencia, play and help because in Manchester I had few opportunities.

"I knew that Valencia was a good option and of course, I knew that United didn't want to let me go but I was anxious to arrive. I'm also happy because I know that Manchester [United] want me."

ESPN FC's Spain correspondent, Adriana Garcia, contributed to this report.

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