‘I have received offers’ – Nemanja Vidic admiring Man United target reveals he has had interest from across Europe
Sporting Lisbon wonder-kid Merih Demiral made a number of interesting revelations in his latest interview with Fanatik.
The 19-year-old defender stated that his footballing idol is Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic.
Turkish-Football reported at the end of March that United have been keeping tabs on the rising star, tracking his progress for the youth Turkish national team and at Sporting.
Demiral revealed that he has received several offers this summer.
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“My agent told me there have been offers, I know Besiktas and Galatasaray were knocking on the door,” Demiral said.
“However, i want to stay in Europe and make a name for myself here.
“Sporting take enormous care and pride in their youth system, they really have made me feel at home here and I am known as ‘Turko’.
“My footballing idol is Vici, I followed him closely at Manchester United when he captained the team.
“He was a great character.
“But I do not want to be known as the next Vidic or any other player, I want to earn respect in my own right as Merih Demiral.”
Vidic won five Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at United.
Demiral joined Alcanenense from Fenerbahce last season before being snapped up by Sporting Lisbon.
The young defender signed a five-year deal with the Portuguese giants and has attracted talent spotters from across Europe tracking his progress.
The 1.92m tall defender was part of the Sporting side that won the U19 Portuguese championship after a six-year spell without lifting the trophy.
Demiral ended up scoring against rivals Porto and Benfica.
The rising star has already been promoted to training with the senior side despite his age and is expected to make the first team squad next season.
