What Kobbie Mainoo REALLY said to Joshua Zirkzee revealed as new Man United signing opens up on their conversation after England’s Euros semi-final win over the Netherlands
- England defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the semi-final of the European Championship on Wednesday evening
- Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee played on opposite sides in that match
- But they are now club mates after Zirkzee moved to Manchester United
Joshua Zirkzee has revealed what was said between him and Kobbie Mainoo after England’s semi-final victory over the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
England midfielder Mainoo and Dutch forward Zirkzee were spotted having a brief chat on the pitch shortly after the match during the Three Lions’ 2-1 win on Wednesday.
Less than 24 hours after the match, Zirkzee flew to the UK to complete his £36.5million transfer from Bologna to Manchester United.
The move, which was officially announced by United on Sunday, means Zirkzee and Mainoo will be teammates at Old Trafford next season.
Zirkzee was asked about his on-field conversation with Mainoo while recording a video for United’s social media channels.
Kobbie Mainoo (no. 26) and Joshua Zirkzee (left) shake hands on Wednesday evening
This interaction took place shortly after England defeated the Netherlands 2-1 at Euro 2024
Zirkzee has since moved from Bologna to Manchester United for a fee of £36.5 million
In the video, Zirkzee was asked if he had spoken to Mainoo after the match.
A grinning Zirkzee replied: ‘Yeah, he just asked if I was coming. I said “see you soon after the final”‘.
Zirkzee has signed a five-year contract with United, until June 2029. The deal also includes an option for United to extend the contract for a further 12 months.
United decided not to activate the £34.5m release clause in Zirkzee’s contract with Bologna and instead offered an additional £2m to spread the payments over three years.
While some United players have already started pre-season training, Zirkzee will go on holiday before joining up with his new team-mates.
The 23-year-old made two substitute appearances at the European Championships after scoring 12 goals in 37 games for Bologna last season.
After his transfer was completed, Zirkzee appeared in a video for United’s social media channels
Zirkzee poses for a photo with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on Sunday
He said after his move to United was confirmed: ‘After speaking with the manager and the leaders of the club, I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I can’t wait to play my part in the success of Manchester United.
‘I am a player who has always given everything to win; I am ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies. It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I now have to take a short break from my time with the national team, but I will be back with the preparations to make an immediate impact.’