Atalanta president Antonio Percassi has detailed the “crazy” negotiations that took place with Manchester United for Amad Diallo.
The 18-year-old – who has made just three senior appearances – will join United in January for a fee that could reach £37million.
And Percassi has admitted his pride at the deal, revealing that talks between the two clubs were ongoing for some time.
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“The negotiation with Manchester lasted almost a year,” he told Italian publication L’Eco di Bergamo (via Sport Witness).
“The details and the scenarios are crazy. Meeting after meeting we learned unimaginable things.
“This leads to the growth of the club and enriches the work of everyone, from the general manager, Umberto Marino, to the entire staff.”
Diallo played in both legs as Atalanta’s under-19s faced Manchester City in the UEFA Youth League in October and November last year.
“A few days after the Youth League game against Manchester City, the other Manchester contacted us,” Percassi added.
“They had followed him, the real negotiation started. We went twice to England. The text of the final agreement is a contractual masterpiece.”