Seedorf: I turned down Manchester United twice, but chose Inter because of Ronaldo

"I rejected Manchester United twice – only because I was determined to play alongside one player"

Four-time Champions League winner Seedorf recently revealed for the first time why he rejected joining Manchester United.

Seedorf had previously disclosed that he almost moved to Old Trafford and that Arsenal had also been interested in bringing him to the Premier League.

He has now elaborated further on his decision to turn down the "Red Devils," admitting that his desire to play alongside Ronaldo was a key reason he declined Manchester United's offers twice.

Seedorf said on Ferdinand's podcast: "The only regret in my career is that I never played in England. I almost joined Manchester United twice."

"That was early in my career, but at that time Spain and Italy were the top leagues players aspired to. Later, the Premier League gradually rose to become one of the recognized best leagues, but at that time I was still playing for AC Milan. I stayed in Milan for 10 years."

When asked which clubs had made him offers, Seedorf replied: "Arsenal, Manchester United, and Real Madrid all approached me. After I transferred from Sampdoria to Real Madrid, it was similar, and then I went to Internazionale."

Ferdinand pressed him on why he chose to join Internazionale instead of Manchester United, and the Dutch star gave a straightforward answer: "Because Ronaldo was at Internazionale." He added: "And Lippi, one of the top coaches at the time. He called me and said he wanted me to come to Internazionale to organize play behind Vieri and Ronaldo. I immediately asked: 'When? Where do I report? I'm coming right away.'"

"Such opportunities are rare. And as I said, if I were to choose an English club, it would most likely be one of those three – I grew up watching the Premier League, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal. They are all iconic giants. I really wanted to play for them."

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