'Tough decision for me' - Shoretire on leaving Manchester United after nine years

Shola Shoretire has admitted that it was a difficult decision to end his nine-year association with Manchester United. 

PAOK confirmed the capture of the England youth international on a four-year contract on Tuesday, following a successful medical.

Shoretire turned down a new deal at Manchester United before agreeing terms with the Greek Super League champions.

The attacking midfielder officially joined the Red Devils as an eleven-year old, rising through the youth team ranks to make his senior debut off the bench in a Premier League match against Newcastle United.

Despite being listed as a United first teamer on paper, in reality, Shoretire struggled to break into the first team and has left Old Trafford without making his full debut, with all his five appearances coming off the bench.

The 20-year-old was loaned out to Bolton Wanderers in the second half of the 2022-2023 campaign, where he played in sixteen matches and netted his first goal as a professional. 

In his parting message to Manchester United supporters, Shoretire wrote on social media: "I joined Manchester United as an 11 year old boy with a dream of one day playing in the first team. I feel extremely proud to be able to say I have achieved that dream. 

"To make it even more special, I was given the opportunity to represent this club in the Premier League and in Europe.

"I’ll forever be grateful to the many players, staff members and supporters that have played a massive part in my journey to this point. 

"From the first day I arrived at the cliff training ground I have felt at home and part of the MUFC family.

"It’s been a tough decision for me to leave somewhere that’s been all I’ve known for half of my life but i believe this is the right step for me."

Shoretire is the youngest player to represent Manchester United in European competition and also the club's youngest player to feature in the UEFA Youth League.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: manutd.com

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