Matthijs de Ligt’s father-in-law has given his verdict on speculation linking the Juventus defender with a move to Manchester United.
The 20-year-old moved from Ajax to the Italian champions in a £67.5m transfer only last summer, signing a five-year deal.
But there have been claims that the Red Devils could look to swoop and take him to Old Trafford less than 12 months on.
Funds freed up by the potential sale of Paul Pogba could be used to fund the sensational transfer, but Keje Molenaar – father to de Ligt’s partner – has played down the links.
“These are simple rumours, that’s all, there’s nothing more to say about it,” the former Netherlands international told Italian outlet Tutto Juve.
“Matthijs doesn’t regret having chosen Juve at all, he and (partner) Annekee are really enjoying themselves in Turin and maybe they can spend some more time in Italy.”
He also added: “Juventus have looked after them perfectly.”
Last year De Ligt hinted that, as a youngster, he frequented a Manchester United shirt, owing to his hero-worshipping of current teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
“I always wanted to be Cristiano Ronaldo when [my friends and I] were playing football in the garden,” he said.
“That was especially in his time when he played at Manchester United. My first football shirt also belonged to him from that time.”
De Ligt was seen in conversation with Ronaldo after the Nations League final between the Netherlands and Portugal last year and many believed the superstar forward persuaded him to move to the Old Lady.
When asked if Ronaldo had asked him to join Juventus, de Ligt told Dutch outlet NOS: “That could well be true. What I answered? I didn’t understand him at first. So I said…no, I didn’t say anything.
“I was a bit shocked, that’s why I laughed.
“But I didn’t say anything. Just after the game you just feel bad that you’ve lost, that’s all you’re thinking about.”
SOURCE: Mirror
