Benjamin Sesko has revealed the two key factors that motivated his decision to snub Newcastle in favour of sealing a move to Manchester United.
United beat Newcastle to Sesko’s signing
After wrapping up a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, United immediately turned their attention towards signing a striker and they identified Sesko as their top target.
United had failed on multiple occasions to sign Sesko in the past, but still chose to make another attempt, convinced he was now ready to make the jump to a big club. But it was anything but straightforward, with Newcastle also strongly in pursuit of Sesko, whom they considered the perfect replacement for Alexander Isak.
The Magpies lodged at least two bids for Sesko, with the latter valuing him at around €90m. Eddie Howe’s side also offered Sesko significantly higher wages than United put on the table.
However, Sesko turned them down and decided to move to United. His desire to complete the switch to Old Trafford convinced RB Leipzig to accept United’s slightly lower bid.
The Slovenian was unveiled in front of the United fans on Saturday, just before the pre-season meeting with Fiorentina kicked off.
The new United star sat down with club media and revealed why he was only keen on signing for the Red Devils despite interest from elsewhere.
Sesko reveals two reasons for United move
Sesko highlighted United’s rich history and the team’s potential as his primary transfer motivators. He also pledged to do everything he can to help the team “fly high” again.
Asked about his ambitions with United, Sesko answered, “Just that we get better, that we connect together, in general, and we, as a team, just try to grow, to grow together step by step because we’re getting better.”
“We’re just even more complete and complete. It’s just a matter of time when we can fly high again.”
Regarding joining the 20-time English winners, “I believe it’s primarily due to the club. It is simply an extraordinary historical club.
“The team is excellent in my opinion. It keeps growing better, which is why there are also some things that draw you in and make you want to be a part of it. Overall, I believe the project is fantastic, and I am eager to get started.
“I’ve only been here for a couple of hours,” Sesko added. And it’s been fantastic so far. I already sense that we will make a wonderful family, and I’m glad to be a part of it. It feels fantastic, you know, and I’m excited to play in it a lot and try to represent in the best possible ways because it [the badge] suits well.
Sesko identifies his United hero
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a former striker for United, was named by Sesko as his favorite football player. Before leaving for the MLS team LA Galaxy in 2018, Ibrahimovic played for United for two seasons.
With 29 goals in 53 games during his brief tenure, the Swede made an impression.
“He’s been my role model since I was small,” Sesko said of Ibrahimovic. He’s simply incredible to me, you know, so I’ve been watching him on every YouTube video I can find.
“Let’s pretend our character is different. However, I prefer watching him play and enjoy football because, you know, that’s when the fun happens. Everything works if football is your thing. And this, in my opinion, is the most crucial.
You know what I mean? It’s probably also one of the things that makes me adore him so much. Therefore, it would be wonderful to meet him someday. He is my hero.
“Of course, I try to learn from him. Particularly, there are some similarities with the high kicks and power strikes. For me, there are also guys like Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie, and others. I’ve been watching them on the videos, of course, and they’ve been amazing. You can definitely admire them a lot, and I try to present myself well here and try to help the team and club get as high as possible.”
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“I’m kind of the guy that is ready to attack, to be in front, if there is a space behind to run it over,” Sesko continued while discussing his style of play. Naturally, if there are crosses, it will always be pleasant, and I will always be present. In my opinion, that is also what Man United needs and what is important.
Outside of football, Sesko said he likes to play basketball and tries to make baskets anytime he can.