French wonderkid: It’s an honour to follow the path of Eric the King

It has been confirmed today that French teenager, Hannibal Mejbri, has joined Manchester United from Monaco. Jorge Mendes was at Carrington to agree a deal that is reportedly worth £9m, pending FIFA approval. Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, PSG and Barcelona were among the clubs interested in signing him.

Speaking to the Parisian, he has discussed his feelings on the move and what his next steps are.

It is an honour. United has a great history and is also known for its training in youth. It will allow me to progress to try to play one day with the biggest.

I watched a lot of videos of the past. Big names have worn the jersey of Manchester United, it’s an honour to go after them. Players that have impressed me? Of course Pogba. Among the previous, Ronaldo, Beckham and Cantona. When I went to Manchester, one spoke to me of him. There, he’s regarded as a king.

Apprehensions? No, it doesn’t scare me. My parents are by my side to accompany me. On the field you just talk football. Outside, there is the language, but can be learned. Manchester is a city that eats and breathes football, it’s beautiful. Initially, I will join the U18s. If I can get into the first team in two years that would be good. After that, everything will depend on me. I can get a bit bigger physically. I do not know how my body will evolve.