How Legendary Italian Forward Del Piero Rejected Ferguson and Man United Because of Undying Love for Juventus

• Sir Alex Ferguson needs little to no introduction in the football landscape owing to his volume of success at Manchester United
• But among the long list of success lies a thin layer of disappointment when the legendary manager failed to secure the services of Juventus icon Del Piero
• Ferguson's relentless pursuit was met with Del Piero's unwavering commitment to the course of the Bianconerri even in the face of demotion

Legendary Italian attacker Alessandro Del Piero was once the toast of Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite the persistent pursuit of the former United manager Del Piero opted against signing for the Red Devils.

The 47-year-old, an iconic figure at Juventus, appeared on the wishlist of Sir Alex Ferguson, who wanted to beef up his squad with the mercurial playmaker.

And following Juve's demotion to the Italian Serie B due to the Calciopoli scandal, Ferguson tried once again to lure Del Piero to Old Trafford but the latter's unflinching loyalty to the Bianconerri disrupted the move.

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Taking a trip down memory, Ferguson narrated how Del Piero's commitment to the Old Lady ended his dream of bringing him to the Premier League.

"A champion on and off the field, I courted him even just after Italy's World Cup win." The celebrated said as quoted by InsideSport.

"At that time, Real Madrid were also after him and, given the issues around Juventus at the time, I imagined that between us at United and the Galacticos, there would be a fair auction to get him.

"And so I called him directly, avoiding talking to Juventus: 'Alex, I'd like you at United', I said. 'You'll be the star of the squad, and together we'll win everything. Don't listen to Real Madrid, and come here."

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"He laughed and replied: 'Sir, you know that nothing has changed from all those years ago. Juve are facing difficult times, and I have to help them. I can't be a coward."

Sir Alex Ferguson opens up on his biggest regret as Man United manager

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Sir Alex Ferguson spent close to 27 years as Man United boss before bowing out in 2013 after winning the club's 20th Premier League title.

During his tenure, United established themselves as a formidable side in England and the Scottish is widely credited for Man United's overall success.

However, despite his otherwise glittering career as a manager, Ferguson also had his shortcomings at Old Trafford, including signing flops such as Eric Djemba-Djemba and Bebe who never lived up to their billing.