Borussia Dortmund superstar Jadon Sancho has spoken for the first time since the German club suggested he will not be leaving for Manchester United in this transfer window.
The England international has been strongly linked with the Red Devils, but a statement from the Bundesliga side on Monday appeared to bring speculation to an end.
Michael Zorc, the club's sporting director, insisted coach Lucien Favre is planning for the 20-year-old to be in his squad next season, claiming the decision is "final".
Now, Sancho himself has commented on life at Dortmund, saying he hopes he can be more of a leader in the coming campaign to his younger colleagues in Germany.
"I love playing with this lot. It is a special bunch," he said, according to ESPN.
We've got some special young players coming up. I am really happy to share the pitch with them and guide them.
I was once in their shoes, playing with the seniors. I am happy for them," he said in an interview during the exhibition, before highlighting his hope to be more of a leader for the club this season.
"I joined when I was 17. Some of the lads are the same age. I've been there and done that. I can guide them in what's good and what isn't. I can hopefully motivate them as well."
