Antony Martial has revealed why he wanted to join Sevilla after completing his loan move from Manchester United.
Martial has signed on loan for the Spanish side until the end of the season, having struggled for regular first-team football at Old Trafford during the current campaign.
The France international had expressed a desire to leave the Red Devils in search of a new challenge and has revealed that conversations with Sevilla sporting director, Monchi, and manager, Julen Lopetegui, convinced him of a move to the Andalusian side.
“What convinced me to come is the contact with the sporting director and the coach, they showed me that they wanted me,” he told a press conference at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. “I wanted to come so I could play and show what I can do in the team.”
Martial arrives at a Sevilla side currently second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Real Madrid as the club pursue a first league title since 1945–46.
Despite a lack of action of late, the 26-year-old believes he can make an immediate impact at his new side and says he is ready to play as the club look to compete for the title.
“In the last few months I have been training a lot. I hope to be able to train soon with my teammates and work well with them to fight for the competitions we’re still in. I’m ready to play. I trained hard to be ready and if the coach wants me to play, I’ll do it now.
Martial spoke on his new teammates and admits he has been welcomed in Sevilla, whilst he revealed how he has been a long-term target for sporting director Monchi after completing his move to Spanish football.
“I already know Ocampos and Koundé very well and I hope to be welcomed by everyone. I’m joining a big club here in Spain and what’s important is helping them towards the aims that we all have at the end of the season.
New Chapter @SevillaFC pic.twitter.com/v9PD4pHdTC
— Anthony Martial (@AnthonyMartial) January 25, 2022
“I’ve already known Monchi for a while because he’s wanted me before,” he said. “When he called, we understood that we wanted to work together, and so I could help him towards the aim which the team has. We’re well-placed in second place and there are other big clubs that are aiming for the same of us. We have to be consistent and fight as much as we can to achieve it.”
Martial struggled to nail down a fixed position for much of his time at Manchester United, operating from both the wing and in a centre-forward position.
He admitted he does not mind where he finds himself on the pitch and says he is relishing the prospect of regular first-team football with the Andalusians.
“I’ve spoken with the coach, but the most important thing for me is playing, it doesn’t matter where, so I can do my best and do what the manager wants from me. This is a good team, they play football. I want to bring my experience here and help the team to keep winning.
“Sevilla have developed some very good players so that’s why I came. I’m happy to work with such a good coach in Lopetegui”.
Sevilla will also be competing to win the Europa League this season, having dominated the competition in recent campaigns to win a record six trophies.
Martial admits a seventh European title is a ‘big aim’ for the club across the remainder of the campaign and outlined his desire to bring goals and assists to the Sevilla side.
“Winning a seventh UEL is a big aim. Also, the final is here so we’ll do everything possible to win the cup. My aim is to play, help the team and that means enjoying myself on the pitch, and scoring and assisting. That’s the aim for me these next few months.”
