Anthony Martial makes shock move to Greek side on free transfer to be among best paid players in history


Anthony Martial has signed with Greek club AEK Athens.

The striker joined on a free transfer after leaving Manchester United this summer.

Frenchman Martial will spend the next chapter of his career in Greece

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Frenchman Martial will spend the next chapter of his career in GreecePhoto credit: AEK Athens

His contract at Old Trafford expired, ending his nine-year association with the club.

The 28-year-old is expected to arrive in Greece this evening.

Martial is said to earn £2.5 million per season at AEK and according to SPORT24, the deal would have been announced on Monday evening without the delay.

This would make him one of the top earners in the club’s history.

Former Tottenham star Erik Lamela, who joined the club in the summer, is said to be the top earner at €2.5 million (£2.1 million) per season.

But Martial is expected to surpass that figure and become the club’s highest-paid player.

He will also play alongside former Watford stars Roberto Pereyra and Nordin Amrabat, as well as former Brentford goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.

Martial was once the most expensive teenager in the world when he was signed from the Red Devils from Monaco for £36 million in 2015. However, after scoring 17 goals in the 2019/20 season, his form dipped.

In his final season at Man United, he scored just two goals in 19 appearances.

He also had to struggle with numerous injuries, but is now hoping for a fresh start in his career.

Martial needed a new chapter after his difficult years at United

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Martial needed a new chapter after his difficult years at United.
Martial won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his time at United

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Martial won the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League during his time at United

He was reportedly close to signing with Brazilian club Flamengo when he became a free agent this summer.

However, his salary demands were described as “unfeasible”.

The Frenchman has also been linked with Serie A team Atalanta and a return to France to join Lille.

While searching for a new home, former French international Emmanuel Petit questioned Martial’s desire to continue playing.

“Maybe he should ask himself this question: Does he have the desire to continue his career?” said Petit.

“Because I have the feeling that the last few years have been very difficult for him on and off the pitch.

“It’s quite difficult to come to the training ground every morning with a good head and try to always do your best because you have a problem in your life, you have a problem in the dressing room, you have problems everywhere.”

“If I were Anthony Martial, I would look in the mirror and ask myself: Do I still want to be a professional footballer?”

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