Silvestre: I'm staying
United defender Mikael Silvestre has reiterated his desire to
remain at Old Trafford, despite media speculation linking him with
moves to a number of clubs, including Tottenham and French
champions Lyon
A shoulder injury sustained in March and the impressive form of
fellow left backs Patrice Evra and Gabriel Heinze limited the
29-year-old to just 14 league appearances in 2006/07.
But the French international, who's played for the Reds 355 times
since joining United from Inter Milan in 1999, hopes to add to that
tally next season.
"I'd never say never about moving back to France, but it's not
something I'm thinking about at the moment," Silvestre revealed in
a recent web chat with fans at UEFA.com.
"I think my future is bright. I have two years left on my contract
and I'm looking forward to it. There's enough room [at Old
Trafford] for me to express myself next season."
Countryman Patrice Evra was particularly impressive at left back
last season and Silvestre was quick to praise the young defender's
contribution to United's ninth Premiership title.
"This season he has really improved. Everyone has, but especially
Patrice. He has played a big part this season and he has never
given up. Since last pre-season he has been playing very
well."
And although Silvestre refused to label the current defence the
best he's seen at United if only because he felt it important to
recognise the "amazing" contribution of past stars like Jaap Stam
and Denis Irwin he didn't hesitate naming Sir Alex Ferguson as
the most influential boss he's worked under.
"Sir Alex has been the best over the years," he confirmed. "What he
has achieved is not far from perfection and our results have been
tremendous."
He also echoed other United players' comments about this season's
European campaign, which came to an end at the semi-final stage at
the hands of eventual winners AC Milan.
"The Champions League is nice, but the Premiership medal means much
more. Winning the Premiership shows you have achieved so much over
the course of 38 games."