5 footballers who almost signed for rival clubs
The two most popular football leagues in the world are also home to some famous and historical rivalries between clubs. Throughout history, a healthy sportsman-like competitiveness between two or more teams has led to some interesting matches with memorable clashes both on and off the field. Be it friendly banter among the supporters of the respective clubs or intense matches whenever the two meet on-field, the overall experience is nothing short of interesting and exhilarating.
Real Madrid and Barcelona. Manchester United and Liverpool. Just a couple of the big rivalries in European football. You can always count on these clashes to be spicy affairs and the tension between the clubs undoubtedly affects football and the dealings between them on a psychological and historical level. We take a look at players who snubbed a particular club in favour of their arch rivals.
#1 Robin van Persie rejected Manchester City for Manchester United
Robin Van Persie scored 86 goals in 48 appearances for Manchester United and even won the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year for the 2012-13 season. Needless to say, he was an instant success at Manchester United. However, this long-term Arsenal player rejected a move to Manchester City in order to sign for the Red Devils.
According to an interview with The Sun in 2012, the then 29-year old was quoted as saying, "I am so glad I snubbed City."
Prior to a derby at Etihad, he said, "I made my mind up very quickly and I am coming into work with a big smile on my face every day."
His manager at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger was also quoted by The Independent as saying, "It is true Manchester City [were] interested in him and he has chosen to go to United. He could come out more on the reasons but I didn't want to know more about that."
"'I hope the reception for him is a respectful one because he has played for us for eight years, he has done very well for us. You want him to be respected," Wenger added.
Despite a bright start, he quickly fell out favour during his last season at Old Trafford under the then manager Louis Van Gaal. In a match against Chelsea in October 2014, he celebrated an equaliser by taking his shirt off, an act which saw him penalised and which caused Van Gaal to term it as "stupid". In January 2015, he missed a penalty against West Bromwich Albion.
Van Persie reportedly turned down a hefty £300,000-a-week by Manchester City to sign for their closest rivals.