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Former Arsenal player Alan Smith has revealed that he had the option to join Manchester United instead of Arsenal and had talks with Sir Alex Ferguson about a potential transfer to Old Trafford.
Arsenal legend Alan Smith has revealed in a recent interview that he almost joined Manchester United instead of the Gunners. Smith, who made a huge impact at Arsenal after joining from Leicester City in 1987, disclosed that he even spoke to legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson about a move to Old Trafford.
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Smith shared the story on the Seaman Says podcast with Betway, recalling how Ferguson personally called him while he was living with his parents. “The phone goes in the hall and my mum picks it up and she says, ‘Alan, it’s Alex Ferguson on the phone for you.’ I thought she misheard the name,” Smith said.
Ferguson wanted Smith to wait until the summer when he would have been a free agent, but Smith had already made up his mind to join Arsenal. “I said, ‘Mr. Ferguson, I’m sorry but I’ve made up my mind, I want to join Arsenal.’ I put the phone down and thought, ‘have I done the right thing there, saying no to the Manchester United manager.
Smith went on to have a successful career at Arsenal, becoming the club’s top goalscorer for four successive seasons and winning two league titles, the FA Cup, and the League Cup. Reflecting on his decision, Smith admitted that he questioned whether it was wise to snub United and Ferguson but ultimately felt he made the right choice.
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