Veronique Rabiot, the mother and agent of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, opened up about her son’s move to Turin, the recent interest from Manchester United and his plans beyond this season.
The 28-year-old Frenchman has become a core part of Massimiliano Allegri’s squad over the last year, proving himself to be a reliable and determined option in the midfield.
Just as he was finally starting to impress in Turin, Rabiot’s contract began to come to an end with Juventus last season. With only days left before his deal expired, a new one-year deal was agreed, something that’ll have to be resolved again in the coming months.
Speaking in a long interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Veronique Rabiot was first asked about her reputation as a fearsome negotiator.
“I am, but negotiating comes naturally to me and I like it. Maybe those who dealt with me at the beginning didn’t expect me to be tough. I don’t fit the mould. I’m a direct person, when I say one thing it’s that and I can end everything if I don’t feel the same clarity ahead.
“Generally, however, it is easier to negotiate for a talented player like Adrien. The one who has to find a club with average players is more deserving.
“But it is a job that fascinates me and has allowed to experience great emotions in the stadiums, to meet interesting characters like Adriano Galliani, who wanted Adrien at Milan in 2014.”
She remembered when her son broke into the Paris Saint-Germain first team as a teenager and spoke about if she always follows his requests.
“When he was 17, I could have gotten much more from PSG because there were already various English clubs that wanted him, but he wasn’t thinking about money, he wanted to start his professional career at his parent club, with Ancelotti, and go into the retreat straight away.
“So, the negotiation with Leonardo, who threatened to send him to the Primavera, was quick and we stayed in Paris. It was his choice, even then.
“Adrien knows me better than anyone, and it’s mutual. I know he would never purposely hurt an opponent and he knows that I act only in his interest.
“We have always divided roles, he takes to the pitch, I take the rest. Today perhaps we talk differently, because he is no longer a kid.”
The midfielder’s mother reflected on Manchester United’s interest in the summer and if the deal collapsed because she wanted €10m in commissions.
“All false. United wanted to meet me to illustrate their interest in Adrien, but we never talked about money in detail because he quickly decided to stay in Turin. There were never any real negotiations, and we are on excellent terms with Manchester United.”
Rabiot explained why her son decided to join Juventus back in 2019, after his contract with PSG expired.
“Juventus considered him their first choice, they had been chasing us for years, literally. I found the Juventus emissaries where I least expected them, outside stadiums, in the stands.
“Allegri really wanted him and there is a very close relationship with Federico Cherubini, friendly and professional.”
She remembered the midfielder’s difficult debut season with the Old Lady.
“Allegri was replaced by Sarri. Adrien didn’t play at first and in January we considered the idea of leaving.
“Then things improved, also with the arrival of Pirlo who helped him progress, and finally with the return of Allegri, who we had come to Turin for.”
The Frenchman’s mother-agent then spoke about the one-year contract renewal with Juventus back in June.
“It was my idea. At the beginning the club didn’t agree, but I got an extra year with a substantial increase (around €8m net, ed.). It’s an innovative renewal.
“The European Championship is only one element that has been examined. Adrien’s journey at Juventus, his commitment, his weight in the team should not be underestimated.”
Finally, Veronique Rabiot refused to discuss a possible new deal with the Bianconeri.
“It’s too early to talk about the future. At the right time we will weigh up everything, and in the end Adrien always decides.”
Her son Adrien was then asked if he was satisfied with his mother’s work as his agent.
“She has always been up to the task, despite knowing nothing about this world at the beginning. She was able to adapt and defend my interests as best as possible, surrounding herself with capable people.
“So far, my career has gone quite well. If I hadn’t been satisfied, I would have taken someone else than her.”
They can both go to that mess of a club.. mommy and her overrated son can do their hair together at Man U