Jadon Sancho has spoken for the first time since leaving Manchester United to join Aston Villa on loan for the season.
The winger had been training away from the first team at Old Trafford after new manager Ruben Amorim decided he was not part of his plans. Sancho spent last season on loan at Chelsea, who paid £5 million to avoid making the deal permanent, and completed his Villa switch on deadline day.
Sancho said Unai Emery was central to his decision. “When I spoke to the manager he gave me belief and confidence. He showed me his plan for the season and that inspired me. He persuaded me and I cannot wait to work under him.”
Asked whether he felt ready to enter his prime years at 25, Sancho replied: “I believe I am ready to move into the peak years of my career. I have played for huge clubs and gained experience and hopefully I can bring that here at Villa. I cannot wait to get started.”
Sancho scored 12 goals in 83 appearances for United after arriving from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021. He hopes to follow the path of Marcus Rashford, who rediscovered form on loan at Villa before moving on to Barcelona. United’s squad clear-out also saw Antony join Real Betis and Alejandro Garnacho head to Chelsea.
Sancho confirmed he has set personal targets but chose not to reveal them. “As a player and as a team we have to aim for big things. I have individual goals but the team comes first. Achieving together is more special than individually.”
Villa also brought in Harvey Elliott and Victor Lindelof before the deadline.
Sancho’s future had been clouded by speculation over his relationship with American rapper Saweetie. Reports suggested she influenced his decision-making and he considered a move to the United States. The pair have been linked since May when her image appeared on his phone screen during Chelsea’s celebrations. He later had her name tattooed.
Despite that, Sancho has chosen to stay in Europe and pursue his ambitions at the top level under Emery.
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