Juan Roman Riquelme, vice president of Boca Juniors, has admitted that the club’s attempts to sign Edinson Cavani, a former striker for Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, have failed because he intends to stay in Europe and sign with Villarreal.
Since leaving United at the end of June, Cavani has been a free agent. He became a cult favourite during his first season in Manchester but had a difficult second season due to injuries. Prior to that, he spent seven years at PSG and set a club record with 200 goals.
For the past few years, the seasoned Uruguayan has been closely associated with a move back to his native continent, specifically to Argentine powerhouses Boca.
“There was a lot of talk, but he was always very clear with me,” Riquelme told ESPN. “When we have the possibility of a star coming to our club, we don’t hesitate.
“Cavani was very clear with me. Villarreal.”
Space in the Villarreal squad is to be made as Paco Alcacer nears a move to Saudi Arabia.