Sneijder admits coming 'close' to joining Man Utd

Wesley Sneijder has admitted that he thought he was “close” to joining Manchester United, but insisted finances were not the reason is did not happen, according to reports.
 
He said: “For me it was not so much a financial issue, my feeling was that I was simply feeling very good at Inter, I love the club but also the Italian culture and the people, it fits me.”

The saga over the Dutch international’s future lasted for the whole transfer window, with United, Manchester City and Chelsea all linked.
 
But it was always United who were thought to be leading the chase, and Sneijder admits he thought he was Old Trafford-bound.
 
“I just felt that it was close, yes (I thought I was going),” Sneijder, currently with the Dutch squad on international duty, told AD.
 
“We had several talks, the situation was such that Inter had to sell a player, Eto’o or me, and indeed there was interest.
 
“They (Manchester United) are one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it did not seem a bad thing - but at the same time I do not want to leave Inter.
 
“Italy is great for me, and I cannot exclude that they (United) got that feeling, for me a move was not an absolute must and there were a few things which meant it did not happen.”

Sneijder joined Inter from Real Madrid in 2009 and helped the Nerazzurri win the Champions League, Serie A and Coppa Italia in his first season in Milan.

Reports had suggested that Sneijder’s unwillingness to drop his financial demands were the main sticking point, but he insists that was not the case.
 
“For me it was not so much a financial issue, my feeling was that I was simply feeling very good at Inter, I love the club but also the Italian culture and the people, it fits me.”
 
Sneijder also admitted that things never went as far to him speaking with United boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
 
“No, Alex Ferguson and I have never spoken, so far,” he concluded.
 
President Massimo Moratti insisted he never wanted to sell Wesley Sneijder during the summer.
 
“Keeping Sneijder is more than a victory, it’s a desire,” he said.
 
“It’s our desire because he’s a top-class player who naturally attracts interest from others.
 
“On more than one occasion, and despite what has been written in the papers, he told me that he wanted to remain.
 
“As far as I’m concerned, it’s a good thing that Sneijder has stayed because it ensures the overall level of talent in the side remains high.”


 

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