Former Chelsea midfielder, John Obi Mikel has opened up on his failed move to Manchester United in the past, disclosing that he had a meeting with Sir Alex Ferguson and the Football Association before rejecting them.
The former Nigeria international revealed how upset Ferguson was with his decision to move to the west London club.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, Mikel Obi also said that the former Man United boss offered to match Chelsea’s wages because he was so keen to sign him.
Recall that Ferguson thought he had won the race for the talented Nigerian’s signature in 2006.
Mikel Obi was even pictured in a Man United shirt, only for him to join Jose Mourinho at Chelsea instead.
However, Mikel Obi has now revealed that he had to attend a meeting with Ferguson before settling the transfer.
“I had a meeting with him [Ferguson] at the FA offices in London,” Mikel Obi said.
“He was invited to come down. The FA wanted to settle the whole story. I had a meeting face-to-face on a long table. It’s like watching Putin now sit with a long table and everyone sitting there.
“We were sitting across from each other and he was trying to convince me to come to Man United.”
He continued “He asked what are they giving you? Is it money? I will sign it right now, give me the paper.”
“He left the meeting so upset, flew back to Manchester same day. After a week it was settled.”
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