Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel has revealed his ambition to win the Ballon d’Or amid a potential move to Real Madrid.
The 16-year-old, who ESPN revealed in September has asked to leave United, has been training in Madrid as the Spanish giants work towards securing his signature ahead of European rivals including Barcelona.
“My dream is to win a Ballon d’Or,” Gabriel told Spanish newspaper Marca in an interview published on Friday.
Gabriel, who turned 16 on Oct. 6, has been training individually since stepping away from United’s academy setup. He previously spent several weeks training in Barcelona before travelling to Madrid, where he has been working with a personal trainer.
Asked by Marca who he preferred out of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Gabriel is said to have replied: “Obviously, Madrid.”
Sources told ESPN earlier this week that Madrid were increasingly confident of winning the race for Gabriel, having intensified negotiations after his 16th birthday.
After Gabriel and his representatives asked to leave United — putting Madrid, Barcelona and other major European clubs on alert — the club initially insisted they would not facilitate his departure.
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Sources have told ESPN that the club believe Gabriel’s representatives held at least one meeting with an unnamed club last summer without their knowledge.
United will consider legal action if they believe illegal approaches were made while Gabriel was under contract at Old Trafford, sources said.
Gabriel’s Irish passport could help facilitate the transfer under FIFA regulations governing international moves for players aged between 16 and 18, with January the first opportunity for him to be registered.
