Manchester United Signing Cavani Reveals COVID-19 Almost Forced Him To Quit Game

Edinson Cavani underwent a period of uncertainty after deciding to leave Paris Saint-Germain. His situation got even more complicated when he and his girlfriend contracted the coronavirus. However, he managed to overcome the virus and sign with Manchester United.

Speaking to Argentine radio program Dos de Punta, the 33-year-old opened up about the ordeal. He stressed that his family’s health comes first and revealed that he almost opted to stay in the countryside and stop playing.

"We have suffered through the coronavirus with my family and with my girlfriend. The truth is that it was bad because of the fear that it awakens. Thank God we recovered well and evolved well and here we are,” Cavani said.

It took some time for Cavani to find a new home after choosing to leave Le Parc des Princes. There were multiple clubs interested in taking him in, but the Uruguayan ultimately chose United.

"The leagues had started to compete and of course, I wanted to have a team," Cavani said. "There was a lot of uncertainty and anxiety. Days began to pass and I saw my family, friends and everyone wanting to know where I was going to play. We are here, happy with the decision and now I want to put on the shirt."

Cavani ended up settling for a one-year deal with the Red Devils, signing on as a free agent. According to Goal, he is set to earn $13 million per season aside from potential bonuses. It will be an initial one-year pact for Cavani, but the deal includes an option to play a further 12 months.

Among the teams who expressed interest in Cavani were Leeds United and S.L. Benfica. Before he ended up at Old Trafford, the Uruguayan player admitted that meetings were held with Benfica.

"There were meetings with Benfica and other clubs. But nothing is yet defined, so I cannot say that there is a closed agreement. When everything is confirmed with a team, they will know it," Cavani said in August.

With United, Cavani will wear the number seven shirt, the same one that icons like George Best, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo wore. However, fans believe the number is cursed as things have not been the same at Old Trafford.

Players who have worn the jersey since the departure of Ronaldo include Michael Owen, Antonio Valencia, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay and Alexis Sanchez, per talkSPORT. Cavani will now try to prove that those beliefs are untrue.