Former Chelsea midfielder Jon Obi Mikel has shared details about his unsuccessful transfer to Manchester United, disclosing that he met with Sir Alex Ferguson and the Football Association before turning down the offer.
Ferguson believed he had secured the signing of the promising Nigerian in 2006, even going as far as having photos taken of Mikel in a United shirt, only for him to opt for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea instead.
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Chelsea ultimately had to fork out a £12 million settlement to their rivals to finalize the deal.
Now, Mikel has disclosed that he had to meet with Manchester United’s manager, Ferguson, before the transfer was settled.
Speaking to beIN SPORTS, he said: ‘I didn’t get one (hairdryer treatment), I thought I was going to! I had a meeting with him at the FA offices in London.
‘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.’
The former midfielder continued to reveal that Ferguson offered to even match Chelsea’s wages because he was keen to sign him.
‘He asked what are they giving you? Is it money? I’ll sign it right now, give me the paper,’ Mikel continued.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian declined and ultimately became a Chelsea player, enjoying an 11-year tenure with the club.
Mikel further disclosed the disappointment of the Manchester United manager over his choice to relocate to London.
He said: ‘He left the meeting so upset, flew back to Manchester same day. After a week it was settled.’
Reflecting on his decision, the former Chelsea man conceded that although he could have won more Premier League’s at Old Trafford, he doesn’t regret his decision.
He concluded: ‘I should have won more Premier League titles (if I moved to Man United), but I have four FA Cup titles.
‘I’d have been the first Nigerian player to play for United but I had an amazing 11 years at Chelsea. Fantastic time. It became my home.
‘The players, the friends, people at the club, they all became family. We won a lot, had an amazing time. More highs than lows. A brilliant time that I will never ever forget.’
