Jhon Duran’s ‘I’m already rich’ attitude revealed by former team-mate Fred

Jhon Duran was not motivated to work harder in training because he already believed he had secured his financial future, according to former team-mate Fred.

The former Manchester United midfielder described the Colombia striker’s attitude during their time together at Fenerbahce, saying Duran sometimes treated training lightly despite his young age.

Speaking on the “Sharla” podcast, Fred said Duran would occasionally refuse to take part fully in sessions.

“I used to say to him: ‘Come on, Duran, let’s train and run a little,’ but he would reply: ‘Brother, I’m already rich. I don’t need to run,’” Fred said.

Fred added that Duran would sometimes go to the medical department to avoid working, explaining that the striker did not regard increasing his wealth as a priority because he felt he had already provided for his family for many years.

“When he moved to Zenit, I said to him: ‘Now you will earn more and more money,’ and he replied: ‘Brother, the more money, the better,’” Fred said.

“He sometimes said that he had already secured his future and the future of his family for the next three generations.”

Duran’s approach to discipline also caused tension at Fenerbahce. He angered manager Jose Mourinho after missing the start of one training session.

Mourinho said at the time that the incident showed a lack of respect for the team. He also stressed that the club had clear rules and that anyone who failed to follow them would have to accept the consequences.

Duran made his name at Aston Villa after joining from Chicago Fire, scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances before completing a major move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Since then, the 22-year-old has spent time on loan at several clubs, including Fenerbahce, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Benfica, but has yet to establish himself permanently at one side.

At Benfica, Duran has played 12 matches in all competitions, starting only two, and has scored two goals. His contract with Al-Nassr runs until 2030, while Benfica have an option to sign him permanently.

Fred joined Fenerbahce after leaving Manchester United in 2023. He made 129 appearances for the Turkish club and scored 12 goals before returning to Brazil this year to sign for Atletico Mineiro.

The midfielder had spent five years at Manchester United.