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I'm off to Manchester United, says Rojo

ESPN staff
August 19, 2014
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Sporting Lisbon defender Marcos Rojo has announced that he is joining Manchester United.

The Argentina international, 24, apologised to Sporting this week after attempting to force through the transfer when the English club had a reported bid of £16 million rejected.

However, he told Radio Continental in his homeland that the move is now in place.

"I am at home with the family in Portugal, but getting ready to travel to Manchester [on Tuesday]," he said. "The truth is this is a dream. The World Cup was really nice, and now this step in my career. I am very happy."

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United turned to Rojo after two of their main defensive targets - Mats Hummels and Thomas Vermaelen - eluded them, with Louis van Gaal keen to reinforce his back line following an opening day home defeat to Swansea.

The left-back has also been at the centre of a row between Sporting and sports investment company Doyen, which reportedly stood to earn 75% of the proceeds from his sale. Sporting terminated the agreement with Doyen after accusing it of conspiring with other clubs to ensure bids came in for Rojo.

Rojo added: "It was difficult - the truth is it was hard during some moments, but everything is being sorted out in the best way, as I wanted, because my idea is to keep improving. Things have gone very well for me in Portugal and it is hard to leave as I have many friends at the club, but I must keep growing, keep improving."

Asked about working under Van Gaal, he said: "I have not spoken at all with the coach. It is always difficult to go to a big club, but they wanted me, they waited for me, and that made me a bit more relaxed. It will depend on me whether I play or not."

He said he was happy to be utilised in any position at Old Trafford.

"It does not matter to me," he said. "Maybe here in Portugal I have played at centre-half, and have been a bit more comfortable, but at the World Cup it went well playing on the wing [wing-back]. I had a good World Cup in that position. Things can go well if you work on them."

Rojo began his career at Estudiantes in Argentina before moving to Europe, initially with Spartak Moscow in 2011.

He said he had previously spoken to former United midfielder Juan Sebastien Veron, who now works as Estudiantes' sporting director, about the club.

"When we were at Estudiantes, Veron said a lot to me about the club," he said, adding: "It is going to be a nice experience. I hope I can adapt quickly to the style of play."

Early reports suggest United winger Nani will go on loan to the Portuguese club as part of the deal.

Marcos Rojo says his move to Manchester United is on © Getty Images
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