Joshua Zirkzee has revealed what was said between him and Kobbie Mainoo following England’s semi-final win over the Netherlands at Euro 2024.
England midfielder Mainoo and Dutch forward Zirkzee were spotted having a brief conversation on the pitch shortly after full-time in the Three Lions’ 2-1 win on Wednesday.
Zirkzee flew to the UK less than 24 hours after that match to complete his £36.5million move from Bologna to Manchester United.
That switch, which was officially announced by United on Sunday, means that Zirkzee and Mainoo will be team-mates at Old Trafford next season.
Zirkzee was asked about his on-field conversation with Mainoo while filming a video for United’s social media channels.
Kobbie Mainoo (No 26) and Joshua Zirkzee (left) pictured shaking hands on Wednesday night
This interaction took place shortly after England had beaten the Netherlands 2-1 at Euro 2024
Zirkzee has since joined Manchester United in a transfer from Bologna worth £36.5million
In the video, Zirkzee was asked if he had spoken to Mainoo after the game.
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. That deal also includes an option for United to extend it by another 12 months.
United decided not to trigger the £34.5m release clause in Zirkzee’s Bologna contract, instead offering an additional £2m in order to spread their payments over three years.
Although some United players have already began pre-season training, Zirkzee is set to go on holiday before joining his new team-mates.
The 23-year-old made two appearances off the bench at the Euros, after scoring 12 goals in 37 games for Bologna last season.
After completing his transfer, Zirkzee featured in a video for United’s social media channels
Zirkzee pictured posing for a photo with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag on Sunday
He said after his move to United was confirmed: ‘Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.
‘I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m 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 have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.’
