Moura turned down Manchester United to join PSG

Jan 6, 2013 1:45:00 PM

The Brazilian youngster has revealed that he turned down the Premier League giants in order to join the French outfit, citing the club's sporting director as a deciding factor

Lucas Moura has said he turned down Manchester United in order to join French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in world football and moved to
les Rouge-et-Bleu this month after the club agreed a reported €35 million fee with Sao Paulo in August.

Sir Alex Ferguson's team were amongst several sides looking to sign Moura, but the Brazilian said Leonardo's influence had persuaded him to ignore other offers.

"Manchester United wanted me but I talked a lot with Leonardo and he convinced me," Moura told Telefoot TF1.

"It's an honor for me to play with [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic," he added, speaking about the lure of PSG.

"I will learn a lot from this side."

Lucas has scored twice in nine Copa Sudamericana games this season and his father has stressed that his son's talent is matched by his level-headed approach.

"Lucas is a modest kid," said Jorge Moura.

"He never lost his head and this is priceless."

PSG sit top of Ligue 1 in the winter break with 38 points, leading Olympique Lyonnais on goal difference.

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