Gonzalo Higuain’s father and agent has explained that Real Madrid’s failure to protect the player and offer him a new contract are why he wants to leave.
The striker confirmed on the final day of the Spanish League season that he intends to leave the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer, after seven years at the club.
Speaking to AS, his father and agent explained that last year’s promise of a new contract never materialised and that combined with a ‘lack of protection’ from the media, the Argentine international has had his mind made up.
“They [Mourinho and CEO Jose Angel Sanchez] promised to do everything for him to be happy,” Jorge Higuain explained.
“There was another person between the three of us, and that was Florentino Perez. A year has passed and the renewal has not happened. We have said nothing.
“Ten days ago we told Jose Angel in a meeting. I do not know if he told the President. It takes me by surprise that there is anger because we have already told them.”
This was in reference to Perez’ recent comments that the player had not yet informed the club of his intention to leave.
“Here there are no strategies. This is football and we have the desire for a fresh change. We are never going to want to leave through the back door, but with things clear.
“[The failed contract] was the last straw, but in seven years the guy has never been protected as he should have been.
“He has been attacked by the sports newspaper industry in Spain and has never had any protection, only from the goals he managed.
“When the club had to come forward they did not and it has helped him to take the decision to leave. We would never do anything against a club who Gonzalo loves immensely, Madrid is in his soul.
“What angered him the most? When on the field he would hear whistles or comments that do not correspond with reality, or nonexistent rumours are invented.
“It hurts. He had no protection and not only with this President but with others. Others have had a tough defence.”
Arsenal and Juventus are seen as the two clubs primarily interested in the 25-year-old.
“Most important now is the desire of the kid and the club must look for what they can get. We are never going to want to leave on bad terms.
“A campaign to discredit him and justify his sale is not the method. Let’s wait for them to determine a reasonable price and we will arrange things.
“Madrid will want to sell because there are no concrete rumours and so they must seek the best solution to avoid damaging the image of the club and the player.
“Juventus or Arsenal? We have found out about Juventus from a friend of the President, [FIFA agent Ernesto] Bronzetti. It is he who is managing the deal. I guess he has spoken with them.
“The clubs first have to talk to Madrid and in direct negotiation. Higuain currently has three years left on his contract.”
