De Laet thought United interest was a joke!
Ritchie speaks!
By Chris,
January 13 2009
Ritchie de Laet, Manchester United's shock January signing, has revealed that he thought his agent was joking when he mentioned the possibility of a move to Old Trafford. The Belgian defender has joined the club from Stoke City on the recommendation of United’s reserve-team assistant boss Warren Joyce.
De Laet became United's third acquisition in the
January transfer window when he penned a three-year deal from the Potters with
any fee dependent on the player's performances with the club.
Fans were left surprised by the unexpected signing,
with League Two club Bournemouth turning down
a move for de Laet after the player spent a trial period at Dean Court last year.
The defender, it seems, was as amazed as anyone.
"I'm really shocked, to be honest," said the 20-year-old.
"We have talked about it for two weeks and, at first, I didn't think it would
go through. I first heard about their interest when my agent rang and said do
you fancy Manchester United? I thought he was joking"
De Laet boasts a determined attitude and is
desperate to repay Joyce's faith and prove he belongs at Old Trafford.
The youngster added: "I've been unable to sleep
through most of the night, this is truly unbelievable. Warren Joyce has played
a pivotal role in bringing me to Manchester United.
He has really pushed Sir Alex into bringing me here. I'm definitely going to
try everything within my power to prove that I belong here."
The former Royal Antwerp man isn't expected to make any first-team appearances this season. He will instead ply his trade with the reserves before trying to break into Sir Alex Ferguson's plans.
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