Edinson Cavani says the prospect of signing for Boca Juniors this summer "was real", but claims speculation suggesting that he was looking for a way out of Manchester United was "half true, half lies".
The 34-year-old Uruguayan has shelved any plans to return to South America, with a new one-year deal signed at Old Trafford.
He is delighted to have agreed an extension with the Red Devils, having scored 15 goals in 36 appearances this season, but admits a deal with Boca was a possibility before United stepped up contract talks.
What has been said?
On reports claiming that he was destined to head for Argentina at the end of the season, Cavani told 2 de Punta: "The possibility I was going to sign for them [Boca] was real, but I was always clear. What has been said and printed is half true, half lies. Sometimes it’s like that - but the chance was real."
Could a deal with Boca be done in the future?
Cavani was signed as a free agent by United in the summer of 2020, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the market for a proven goalscorer.
Impressive efforts from Cavani have landed him fresh terms, but the door has not been slammed shut on Boca.
Cavani claims to have spoken about a switch with Boca's vice-president Juan Roman Riquelme for years and says nothing can be ruled out.
He added: "Has the door with Boca been left open? You’d need to ask Boca if the door is open. Today the reality is what it is, I’m at Manchester United and I’m fully focused.
"There are moments when you need to be near your roots and your loved ones. There’s not a year goes by when I don’t think about it, but the decision is a mixture of things, the affection of the people, the attitude of the club with me and my family, my team-mates asking me to stay, the manager."
Cavani, who has hit eight goals through his last eight appearances for United, will be back in action on Thursday when the Red Devils take in a home date with old adversaries Liverpool.
Further reading
- How Cavani deal could pave the way for Sancho signing
- Upamecano reveals he wanted to sign for Man Utd
- Maguire ruled out for final Premier League games