“Even at 28, that is his level” - Liverpool legend aims harsh jibe at ex-Manchester United star Anthony Martial after he joins AEK Athens
Football pundit Graeme Souness has made scathing remarks at Anthony Martial after the former Manchester United star joined AEK Athens. The Liverpool legend was surprised Martial lasted nine seasons at Old Trafford.
In his Daily Mail column, Souness wrote that the striker was working hard in training from what he heard. However, he added that the former Red Devils star would not manage to stun the fans on the pitch, and left them disappointed in matches. He wrote:
"I noted this week that Anthony Martial has joined AEK Athens in Greece. Maybe, even at 28, that is his level. In his nine seasons at Manchester United, no player better captured the club's malaise. He is the best example of where they have gone wrong. I said about four years ago, entering a new season, that it had to be Martial's last-chance saloon. I cannot believe it was only this summer that he finally left the club."
"Martial is one of those players you would turn up and watch him in training and think, 'What a player'. But talk to any professional, we've all been at clubs with great Monday-to-Friday players. On a Saturday, they go missing. He was the epitome of that. He didn't have the eye of the tiger, it was not in him. He would flatter to deceive. It was as plain as the nose on the end of your face that he wasn't a Manchester United player. And that was obvious after a couple of seasons. He just could not deal with playing for a big club like United, where every game is must-win," he added.
Anthony Martial left Manchester United in the summer after his contract expired. He was not offered a new deal and has now moved to AEK Athens despite reports linking him with a return to France.
Former Manchester United star Anthony Martial comments after joining AEK Athens
Anthony Martial was delighted to join AEK Athens, sealing the move last week. He added that he was aiming to help the side win trophies and bring joy to the fans and said:
"I am very happy. AEK is an opportunity for me and I will give my best to achieve things, win trophies and bring joy to the world of the team."
Earlier this summer, Martial sent a message to the Red Devils fans and wrote in a statement:
"Manchester United will always be in my heart. This club has left its mark on my career and offered me an incredible opportunity to play in front of you. I'm leaving to take on new challenges, I'll always be a Red Devil and I'll continue to follow the club's results with passion.”
Anthony Martial played 317 matches for Manchester United since moving from AS Monaco. He scored just 90 goals and assisted 47 times.