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Anderson finds excuse for disappointing Manchester United career after completing transfer to Internacional

The Brazilian midfielder has finally left Old Trafford

Simon Rice
Wednesday 04 February 2015 09:00 GMT
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Anderson
Anderson (GETTY IMAGES)

Anderson has revealed what he believes is the reason for his Manchester United career being derailed - injuries.

The midfielder ended a frustrating eight years at Old Trafford yesterday by completing a move to Brazilian side Internacional, where he has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The 26-year-old will be desperate to see his career get back on track at his new club having never really cemented a place in the Manchester United first-team despite costing the club £26m.

United signed Anderson from Porto in 2007 but despite such a large fee he struggled to hold down a regular spot under Sir Alex Ferguson, was loaned to Fiorentina last season by David Moyes and was informed by Louis van Gaal that he wasn't a part of the Dutchman's plans.

The midfielder, who has eight caps for Brazil, has now offered up an explanation for his troubles.

"I played for eight years for Manchester," he was quoted by the Guardian. "I would like to thank the club. In my first four years I won everything there - Champions League, Premier League and (the FIFA Club World Cup). I had a knee injury and returned to play again too fast. I played but the knees were not equal and I got myself injured again."

Anderson suffered several knee injuries while at United, most notably in February 2010 when he hurt his anterior cruciate ligament, ending his season.

He also faced questions regarding his weight and commitment.

Asked about that, he said: "Do you think I'm not fit? A player will always be criticised. I had injuries in the past, but I have to be quiet right now and answer in the field.

"It will be a pleasure play for a club such as Internacional. I want to be happy as I was at other clubs. I'm coming back to Porto Alegre because Inter went after me. The president gave me attention. I was training [at United] but not playing."

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