Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre has lifted the lid on the most dramatic transfer twist of his career, revealing that he abandoned a nearly completed move to Manchester City in 2008 to sign for Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal.
In an interview with Poker Scout, Silvestre admitted that he was “half way through medical care” at City when Wenger intervened late and completely changed his mind.
A move beyond Manchester was expected, but instead it resulted in one of the summer’s most surprising transfers, with the United veteran joining their north London rivals.
Mikael Silvestre rejects Arsenal move to Man City
“Believe it or not, I almost signed for Manchester City in 2008.” As reported by GOAL, Silvestre explained:
“I was in the middle of my medical in Manchester and very close to finalizing my transfer. But during my medical, manager Arsene Wenger contacted me through a friend to try and get me to sign for Arsenal.”
At the time, Silvestre was 31 years old and nearing the end of his glorious spell under Sir Alex Ferguson.
The French defender spent nine seasons at Old Trafford, making over 360 appearances and winning five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and the 2008 Champions League.
City, who were on the brink of a takeover revolution at the time, had already reached a tentative agreement for Silvestre’s transfer.
Paris Saint-Germain and Bordeaux were also interested, with Sunderland also making inquiries. However, the chance to play under Wenger, one of his long-time fans, proved impossible to resist.
Silvestre was excited to join the Gunners
Silvestre revealed that the opportunity to join Arsenal was attractive not only professionally but also personally.
Like compatriots such as Robert Pires and Patrick Vieira, Wenger’s reputation for extending the careers of experienced players played a key role.
The transfer was confirmed within days, and Silvestre became the first player in 34 years to join Arsenal directly from Man United, following Brian Kidd in 1974.
He made 43 appearances over two seasons for Arsenal, helping the Gunners reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2009.
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