‘Upset’ Manchester United man breaks silence after controversial ruling
Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani is understood to be “sad and upset” after missing three rounds of World Cup qualifiers.
The Premier League decided last month that players would not be allowed to travel to red list countries due to Covid-19 fears.
That meant the Manchester United forward would not be given permission to travel to South America. Uruguay drew 1-1 with Peru on Friday morning. They will face Bolivia and Ecuador in two other World Cup qualifying matches on Sunday and Thursday.
“Premier League clubs have today reluctantly but unanimously decided not to release players for international matches played in red-list countries next month,” read a statement from the Premier League.
“The clubs’ decision, which is strongly supported by the Premier League, will apply to nearly 60 players from 19 Premier League clubs who are due to travel to 26 red-list countries in the September international window.”
Cavani, 34, who was reportedly offered to Juventus on deadline day, has kept his counsel over the decision until now, but the AP report he is far from happy over the decision.
The striker said he feels “sad and upset”. He apparently wanted “to tell things as they were” after a week of silence.
“We are exposed to decisions that are made in the organizations of some tournaments and leagues and any of the two decisions (travelling or not) would be bad for us,” Cavani said on Thursday.
“We don’t get rich playing for our national teams. I have a commitment with myself and a moral commitment to defend our country.
“We get rich by wearing the shirt of our national teams.”
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Cavani vacates No.7 shirt
Meanwhile, Cavani has vacated the No.7 shirt at United in order for Cristiano Ronaldo to take up his old number.
Ronaldo said: “I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to have the No 7 shirt again, so I would like to say a huge thank you to Edi [Cavani] for this incredible gesture.”
Cavani began the season with the seven shirt on his back. Therefore, Unitred had to ask the Premier League for special permission to change their numbers.
Such requests have rarely been accepted, but in this case, United have been able to give Ronaldo the seven.
Cavani will switch to the number 21 shirt, which is the same jersey he wears for Uruguay.
The 21 jersey was recently vacated by Daniel James, who left for Leeds United.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo released from international duty and heading for Manchester
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