Robert Lewandowski has recalled the time he almost left Borussia Dortmund to join Manchester United.
He exploded onto the scene with Borussia Dortmund scoring 30 goals in all competitions in the 2011/12 season, drawing the attention of the biggest clubs in Europe.
He disclosed this in the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast with Man United legend, Rio Ferdinand.
“I remember one conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, you know, for example. That was 2012.”
“I remember the conversation… [it was] before pre-season… I knew that he’s going to call to me.”
When asked if he was nervous, the Barcelona star said: “Oh, very… I knew what I should tell him, you know. Yeah, of course, I want to join Manchester United, yeah. Can you repeat again? Yes, yes, of course, of course.”
“So why didn’t you sign,” Ferdinand asked, to which Lewandowski replied: “Ask the club, you know… I remember also the conversation with the president of Dortmund. He said to me, they need me. They’re not going to sign me to Manchester United because I’m so important for them, and it’s not the perfect time now.
“So, yeah. But that time I said yes, yeah, that’s true. I said yes to join Manchester United because if Sir Alex Ferguson calls you, you cannot say no, you know. Especially when I was 22 or 23 years old. And, you know, that time I was playing for Dortmund. Even, you know, I was happy, but Manchester United are like the prime of Manchester United, you know.”
However, the deal did not materialize as Lewandowski went on to play for Dortmund for two more seasons before leaving for Bundesliga rivals, Bayern Munich.
