Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez has insisted he was unaware that he had misled fans about his future plans after announcing his 'new club' on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old, who is contracted to the club until 2026 after penning a nine-year deal three years ago, has long been linked with a move to Manchester United.
The Spain international teased fans over a potential summer transfer, hinting he would reveal his new club this week - an announcement that would excite Man United fans and simultaneously send Atletico fans into panic.
But on Wednesday, Saul finally revealed that he wasn't leaving the Wanda Metropolitano, instead announcing he and his brother Aaron, who plays for Malaga, were actually setting up their own football academy in their hometown of Elche.
That brought an almighty groan from United fans on social media and Saul admits he didn't realise the impact his Instagram post had on football fans.
"I am a little alien to social media but my manager was aware and told me that some were misunderstanding it," he told Spanish newspaper AS.
"It never occurred to me, in the middle of two competitions, La Liga and the Champions League, that people might think that I was going to leave.
"When I put the new club, I put the corporate colours of the new club, a new project which I have been working on for a couple of years that comes from watching children grow up in the academy. I have been working with them for four years.
"Before, I used to see them in the summer, Christmas, Easter... to see them now day-to-day makes me very excited.
"Seeing my work with children reflect on the field makes me proud and the fact that all the people of the club share my values means I am very excited.
"Little by little, I was explaining what it was, so I didn’t think it would create such a stir."
