Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney confirmed that the three clubs that took approaches to him when he was asked to leave Old Trafford at the height of his powers in 2010.
Rooney had witnessed that United lost Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez without investing in the team – Antonio Valencia from Wigan athlete was the most expensive acquisition in 2009 or 2010, which led him to question the club's ambition.
A transfer request, which was confirmed by Sir Alex Ferguson amazing at a press conference in October 2010.
Unlike the belief at the time, Manchester City was not newly among them.
“When I said Manchester United In 2010, I did not want to sign a new deal and put a transfer request. Three clubs came for me. ”Rooney revealed in a BBC Sport column.
“Manchester City It is often talked about as one of them, but I do not think this was a choice for me – the difference that took an approach was ChelseaReal (Madrid) and Barcelona. In my head, I was ready to go and play in Spain and some conversations occurred.
“It seemed a deal with Real's more like Lionel MessiAndres Inasta, Xavi and Sergio Busquets. In the end, I decided to stay in United, but Barcelona had an incredible team at that time and any player he liked to play in. “
United lost the 2009 Champions League final Barcelona He met them again in 2011, playing off Wembley stadium in a 3-1 defeat, although Rooney himself scored the result.
Ronnie remained with United for another seven years in total, as the club captain became in 2014. In early 2017, the Sir Bobby Charlton's long -term record broke down as leading goals at all, while he is still fifth in the list of appearances ever.