‘Different reasons’: World Cup winner shares why he never ended up signing for Manchester United
Manchester United have missed out on some massive signings over the years. The Red Devils have gone after the likes of Ronaldinho to no avail,...
Manchester United have missed out on some massive signings over the years.
The Red Devils have gone after the likes of Ronaldinho to no avail, and now, another world-class talent has shared how he almost signed for United.
Indeed, speaking to Shoot for Love, Alessandro Del Piero has admitted that there was a time that he could’ve headed to Old Trafford.
The Italian legend said that United did in fact want him at one point, but he decided to stay loyal to Juventus throughout his career, as he was a boyhood fan and club captain.
Why Alessandro Del Piero rejected Manchester United
Del Piero spoke about Manchester United’s interest in his services.
The Juventus legend says that he always stayed loyal to his club due to his love for the team, claiming that even in the tough times he decided to stay.
“You were never tempted by Manchester United? There was a big rumour right? Alex Ferguson really wanted you?” Del Piero was asked.
“There was a time of course. I spent 19 years with Juve and there was tough times with Juve, but in the end I always decided to stay,” Del Piero said.
“It was different reasons. I was a Juve fan before becoming a player, I joined Juve early, broke records, I became a captain, when we were relegated I was also the captain, so I sent a message straight away that I was going to stay.”
Manchester United also almost signed Ronaldinho
Manchester United failed to sign some truly amazing players during this time.
Del Piero was one of the best players in the world at that point, as was Ronaldinho.
The Brazilian would ultimately end up at Barcelona, but he could’ve joined Manchester United at one point.
Gareth Bale is another player who could’ve signed for Manchester United.
Rio Ferdinand actually claimed that Alex Ferguson was gutted that Ronaldinho didn’t sign for United.
“I remember we were going to sign Ronaldinho but he chose to leave PSG for Barcelona. The manager was absolutely devastated.” Ferdinand said.
“Then on the tour he went to Sporting Lisbon to open the stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo plays and the rest is history.”
Of course, Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t a bad consolation prize, but it’s hard not to get enamoured by the idea of Ronaldinho and Del Piero playing together in the Premier League around that time.
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