Udinese midfielder Gaetano D'Agostino insists he has no regrets missing out on moves to Juventus and Real Madrid.

“During the summer I was told that I would be playing for one of the big clubs, but nothing ever happened with Juve in the end,” he told the Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I would say three things to the newspapers, but only ever saw in print what suited their agenda, so I decided to keep my mouth shut.”

D’Agostino admits it was a very strange time for him with his first Italy call-up and Real Madrid publicly confirming their interest.

“I was very confused, bombarded by all these negotiations, and I asked Udinese if I could sit out pre-season training.

“I missed out on some of the fitness work and that is why I have been struggling at the start of this campaign. I wanted to do everything, but none of it was happening.

“I could have gone elsewhere and earned a lot of money, but I would only leave Udine for a truly big club.

“I went to President Pozzo and told him I was staying, enough of all the talk. We’re putting the ball back in the centre-circle for kick-off, with no regrets or rancour.”