Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign one legendary ex-Premier League player and made direct contact with him in an effort to bring him to Old Trafford.
Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out of Old Trafford in 2013 after the iconic former Manchester United manager lifted his 13th Premier League title at the club.
The 82-year-old legendary Scotsman oversaw incredible success at United, including capturing an iconic continental treble win in the 1998-99 Premier League season.
Ferguson carved out a long-lasting legacy at the club and United have struggled to return to the top of English football in the aftermath of his retirement.
The iconic Scot was widely revered for his impressive squads and bringing world-class talent to United, including the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona.
Despite his incredible acquisition of players, Ferguson even missed out on big-name signings and admitted his regret over failing to sign certain legendary ex-footballers.
Irrespective of his missed signings, the United legend is widely regarded as one of the best managers of all time after his success in both England and Scotland.
Ferguson ‘phoned’ Premier League Hall of Famer
Chelsea legend John Terry took his place in the Premier League Hall of Fame alongside fellow Blues hero Ashley Cole and Manchester United legend Andy Cole.
Ashley Cole was an automatic inductee into the Premier League Hall of Fame class of 2024, while John Terry and Andy Cole later came out on top in the 15-man shortlist.
Hall of Famer Terry had a remarkable career at club level and is widely considered as one of the best centre-backs in the league’s history.
The 43-year-old spent the majority of his club career at Chelsea and came through the Blues’ academy, having previously been part of West Ham’s youth set-up.
During his time at Stamford Bridge, Terry lifted five Premier League titles, a Champions League, a Europa League, five FA Cups and three League Cups.
The former Chelsea and England defender has now revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was keen on bringing him to Old Trafford and was flattered by his interest in him.
Speaking on Up Front with Simon Jordan, Terry said: “Arsenal had rolled out the red carpet for me, Man United had done the same, and Chelsea didn’t do anything.
“All they offered me was a pair of boots [for] my first season and my £2 expenses for getting the train from Barking to Battersea, nothing else.
“I had Sir Alex Ferguson phoning my house, speaking to my dad and speaking to me on a weekly, monthly basis, checking that I was going to school, that I was doing everything right and training. It was incredible.”
Terry on signing for Chelsea ahead of Man Utd and Arsenal
Terry made a whopping 717 appearances during his spell at Stamford Bridge, with the former Blues and England captain creating a long-lasting legacy at the club.
The Chelsea legend was a key defensive figure for former United manager Jose Mourinho, who has spoken highly of the influence that Terry had on the pitch.
Despite the interest from United and Arsenal, Terry insisted that he “knew” Chelsea was the right team for him and “fell in love” with the Premier League club.
“When I walked into Chelsea, I just knew Chelsea was the right club for me,” he said.
“I just felt it was home, you know when you walk into a house and just get the feeling that ‘I’m here for the next 20 years,’ I felt that at Chelsea.
“I did that for a couple of years and then had a decision to make on who I was signing for but I absolutely loved it… I just fell in love with Chelsea.”
