Clement a key factor for Sanches

8th September
First team

Renato Sanches revealed Paul Clement was a key factor behind his decision to snub top European clubs in order to join Swansea City.

The Portuguese midfielder today took part in his first session for his new club since arriving on loan from German giants Bayern Munich.

Sanches attracted a lot of interest from big clubs around the continent but will now play under Clement, who was assistant manager at Bayern before being appointed Swans boss last January.

“Swansea was a club that showed a lot of interest in me and I was very happy about it although I had other clubs interested as well,” said Sanches, who hopes to make his debut in Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle United at the Liberty.

“But one of the reasons why I came here was the manager. I know the manager - I’ve worked with him for almost a year, and I am very happy to be here.”

Sanches played a key role in Portugal’s memorable Euro 2016 campaign, with the 20-year-old’s performances enough to see him named the young player of the tournament.

His displays led to a move to the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, with Sanches making 26 appearances as he lifted the league title last season.

Now he heads to the Premier League with Swansea City, with the former Benfica starlet determined to help his new team move up the table.

“What I want to regain here is my confidence - to be a happy player and also to help the team maintain a good position in the table and to play, to help, be involved as much as possible, to become better and develop as a player, which is the most important thing. Not only me but the team as well - that is the most important thing.”

“I know that Swansea is a good team. They like to play and like to retain possession. I know that not every English team is the same.”