Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has lifted the lid on essentially the most dramatic switch twist of his profession, revealing that he deserted a virtually accomplished transfer to Manchester Metropolis in 2008 to signal for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.
In an interview with Poker Scout, Silvestre admitted that he was “half method by medical care” at Metropolis when Wenger intervened late and fully modified his thoughts.
A transfer past Manchester was anticipated, however as a substitute it resulted in one of many summer season’s most stunning transfers, with the United veteran becoming a member of their north London rivals.
Mikael Silvestre rejects Arsenal transfer to Man Metropolis
“Consider it or not, I nearly signed for Manchester Metropolis in 2008.” As reported by GOAL, Silvestre defined:
“I used to be in the course of my medical in Manchester and really near finalizing my switch. However throughout my medical, supervisor Arsene Wenger contacted me by a good friend to try to get me to signal for Arsenal.”
On the time, Silvestre was 31 years previous and nearing the tip of his superb spell below Sir Alex Ferguson.
The French defender spent 9 seasons at Outdated Trafford, making over 360 appearances and successful 5 Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the 2008 Champions League.
Metropolis, who had been getting ready to a takeover revolution on the time, had already reached a tentative settlement for Silvestre’s switch.
Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux had been additionally , with Sunderland additionally making inquiries. Nonetheless, the prospect to play below Wenger, one in all his long-time followers, proved unimaginable to withstand.
Silvestre was excited to hitch the Gunners
Silvestre revealed that the chance to hitch Arsenal was engaging not solely professionally but additionally personally.
Like compatriots similar to Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira, Wenger’s popularity for extending the careers of skilled gamers performed a key position.
The switch was confirmed inside days, and Silvestre turned the primary participant in 34 years to hitch Arsenal immediately from Man United, following Brian Kidd in 1974.
He made 43 appearances over two seasons for Arsenal, serving to the Gunners attain the Champions League semi-finals in 2009.
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