Arsenal Legend Expresses Regret Over Not Joining Manchester United

Arsenal Legend Expresses Regret Over Not Joining Manchester United

Fred Kennedy
updated at June 15, 2024 at 6:33 AM
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  • Arsenal icon, Emmanuel Petit, enjoyed a successful stint in the Premier League spanning more than seven years
  • The legendary midfielder's first stint came with the Gunners between 1997 and 2000 when he joined La Liga side Barcelona
  • The former France international had an opportunity to join Manchester United but overlooked that chance to move to Chelsea instead

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Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has revealed one of his major transfer regrets.

The former French footballer enjoyed an impressive career spanning close to two decades.

He spent much of that period with Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, for whom he played in more than 200 games.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has admitted he regrets overlooking the chance to join Manchester United. Photo by Catherine Ivill.
Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has admitted he regrets overlooking the chance to join Manchester United. Photo by Catherine Ivill.
Source: Getty Images

However, the greatest highlight of his career came after he moved to the Premier League with the Gunners in 1997.

Petit formed one of the most formidable midfield partnerships in the history of the English top-flight with compatriot Patrick Vieira.

His impressive performances attracted the interest of several top clubs, including Barcelona, Chelsea, and Manchester United.

Petit regrets not joining Man United

When the time came for him to leave Arsenal in 2000, the 53-year-old decided to join Barcelona.

SPORTbible reports that he only lasted a year in the La Liga before he was linked with a return to the Premier League.

At the time, United and Chelsea were linked with moves, but the legendary midfielder joined the Blues instead.

Reflecting on the move on FourFourTwo, Petit admitted that he regrets not joining the Red Devils.

“I had many clubs interested in taking me back to England [in 2001]," he said.
“I should have gone to Manchester United because Sir Alex Ferguson called me twice. We had a very good conversation, and it was tempting, but once again I listened to my wife.
“She wanted to go back to London – she didn't want to live in Manchester – so I made the same mistake twice in one year," he added.

Bayern plots move for Arsenal ace

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Arsenal will likely face an uphill task in convincing one of their highly rated wonderkids to stay at the club.

Reports claim that Bayern Munich have launched a serious interest in signing Chido Obi-Martin this summer.

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Fred Kennedy
Editor - Europe Team