Manchester United transfer news: Matteo Darmian gets Torino blessing to move but denies writing farewell letter
Letter initially attributed to Italian defender linked with Man Utd said "remember that I leave Turin for a future career choice, not because I am evi
Torino coach Giampiero Ventura has given his blessing for Matteo Darmian to join Manchester United, with the Italy right-back expected to fly in within the next 24 hours.
However, although confirmation of a four-year deal is expected to be announced shortly, Darmian has been forced to deny writing a farewell letter to the Torino fans ahead of his impending £13 million move.
Reports this morning suggested he had penned a note to the Il Toro faithful on Instagram, in which the 25-year-old defender supposedly wrote:
The day has come, after three fantastic years, to leave Turin.
It has been a wonderful three years where I learned to play, have fun and I learned above all to live! It is thanks to my team-mates and my fans and Mr (Giampiero) Ventura, who is more than a coach to me, a second father.
Right now I have no words, I'm just crying. Remember that I leave Turin for a future career choice, not because I am evil. Turin will always be my second home, I never tire of her. I wish good luck to all the team and the fans.
This is not a goodbye but I see you soon. In these three years we went back to Serie A, we won against Juventus after 20 years and we are back in the Europa League. I think I go away with a clear conscience, at least I hope so. I did my best for this team, I gave all of my heart and my soul. It was an honor to play for Torino and also be the captain in a few games!
I think the love I gave to this city, will be returned in a few ways.
Thanks for everything Turin!
Matteo Darmian.
After the letter was widely reported, Darmian took to Twitter to insist it was not written by him.
He said: "Lads, I don't have an Instagram account. Those you see in my name are fake."
Nevertheless, Darmian is due to fly into Manchester on Friday to sign his deal and meet his new team-mates before Louis van Gaal's squad jet out to the US on Monday for the club's pre-season tour.
Ventura has even given his blessing for Darmian to join Man United.
When asked about Darmian's switch to the Premier League, Ventura told Sky Italia: "We have worked together for some time.
"Because of his desire, humility and will to achieve things, it's right to grant him the opportunity to realise a dream to play in the Champions League in a team that will fight to win it.
"The transfer of an important player like him can open the door for us to build a stronger side.