Former Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani returned to his antics this weekend at his new club in Spain, Valencia, with the player’s injuries once again in the spotlight.
Cavani, who joined the Spanish club from United as a free agent in the summer, finally made his debut for his new club after initially failing to do so.
He played for 72 minutes, but according to coach Gennaro Gattuso, the striker was reluctant to play that long.
Gattuso revealed that Cavani had requested to participate in only part of the game, which he flatly refused.
The 44-year-old said: “He wanted to play 30 or 35 minutes, but there are players who have the conditions to be there from the beginning.”
“It’s been three months without training with a team, and the previous work and also having competition was important.”
The Valencia coach added about Cavani’s availability and work ethic: “When a 35-year-old player thinks that football is a priority for him, he always helps his teammate; he races more than the rest to train.”
“He has to improve his physical condition as always.”
Gattuso pointed out, however, that he was happy with the Uruguayan who was staying at Mestalla during the international break.
Red Devils fans will not be surprised by this new news from Cavani.
On multiple occasions throughout his two seasons at Old Trafford, the striker missed games through injury, sometimes claiming he was not physically ready, something former manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer wrongly allowed him to do, thus encouraging him.
He has found a sensible manager in Gattuso who will not accept his tendencies.
