Barcelona star Robert Lewandowski has this week provided an insight into his failed move to the Premier League, with Manchester United.
This comes amid the revelation that, during his time with Borussia Dortmund, the Pole had come to the decision to take his talents to Old Trafford.
Lewandowski, of course, has enjoyed a glittering career on the continent.
Across stints with all of the aformentioned Dortmund, Bayern Munich and now Barcelona, the 36-year-old has secured for himself a reputation as one of the standout goalscorers of a generation.
And yet, had things played out just a little differently, Lewandowski’s career path could have taken an altogether dramatic different turn.
Speaking on the podcast hosted by Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand this week, the veteran frontman was drawn on his links with the Red Devils, dating all the way back to 2012.
And, in quotes gathered by Mundo Deportivo, Lewandowski went on to admit that, at the time, he had made his mind up to head to England:
“I remember that conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, it was in 2012 and I decided to join Manchester United.
“It was in pre-season and we were playing some games with Borussia Dortmund. I knew he was going to call me. And at half-time, they substituted me because I knew I was going to play 45 minutes. Then I got the call and, at that time, my level of English was different to what it is now. And, above all, if I was going to talk to this kind of person who was calling me, Sir Alex Ferguson, with that Scottish accent.
“Of course, I knew what I had to say to him, you know? Yes, I want to join Manchester United, yes!
“I remember the conversation with the president of Dortmund. He told me that they needed me. That they were not going to sell me to Manchester United because I was very important for them and it was not the right time.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
