Martin Zubimendi has said the uncertainty surrounding his future was an ‘uncomfortable’ time during the summer, amid interest from Liverpool.
Zubimendi was a transfer target for Liverpool, who informed Real Sociedad of their intention to match the midfielder’s €60m release clause. Arne Slot made the Spain international his first-choice option in the summer window, but saw the Euro 2024 winner turn down a move to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has since been linked with Arsenal and Manchester City, while Liverpool remain potential suitors despite the performances of Ryan Gravenberch this season.
Zubimendi has opened up on his decision to snub the Reds and said it was the best decision for his development to remain at Sociedad. He refused to rule out a future exit from the Basque side but said there is ‘no need to rush’ a decision.
“I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise,” the Spain international told El Diario Vasco.
“It wasn’t something I had planned. I reacted when the situation arose. It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.
“I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.
“I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying.”
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