Speaking in an interview with L’Équipe, 20-year-old Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumaré confirmed earlier reporting that he has no interest in leaving the club this month, despite supposed intense interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
When you are 20, and you see your name linked to big European clubs, how do you deal with it?
It has not worried me. Reporting matters to the people who read it and the people who write it (laughs).
What is your position in terms of your future this winter?
I do not see myself leaving. I feel good here. I am learning, we have big objectives to attain, like qualification for the Champions’ League. A departure is not on the cards.
Do you feel like it is too soon to leave?
I want to do a full season, yes. I am not saying that I am in the starting XI (guaranteed), but the place that I have in the team today, I worked hard to get through the work that I put in, I won it. I cannot see myself leaving without seeing this through. I feel good, my team-mates help me. It is not the time to leave. I do not want to leave with any regrets.
Have you made that clear to the club?
Yes, of course, I have already had discussions with the coach. I told him very clearly. I have a very precise idea of where I want to go in my career. I know today where I am. And I like being here.
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Do you feel like you need to take a middle step before going to a club like Real Madrid?
Real Madrid is the highest level. But I don’t know if I will need to take a middle step, quite simply because I am not looking to leave right now. I am focused on Lille and the France U21s.