Vidic thought Sir Alex Ferguson was ‘crazy’ during Man Utd transfer talks and reveals he nearly joined Liverpool
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic has admitted that he thought Sir Alex Ferguson was “crazy” during transfer talks and he nearly joined Liverpool.
The Serbian defender revealed how he ended up joining the Red Devils and the lengths the manager went to in order to make him feel welcome.
Vidic told Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five podcast: “At the time Liverpool were involved.
“I spoke with [Rafael] Benitez, he was the first one in touch with me.
“My English was not good. My wife, Anna, was talking to him. He was asking if I wanted to come to England, certain things, it was great.
“But then for two to three weeks he didn’t call.
“And then Fergie got in touch with me. He said he has been looking at me for the last six months to a year. He asked if I wanted to join. I said ‘of course’.
“Within one week I was in Manchester. It was fast. I remember the moment I came to Manchester, Sir Alex was waiting. He took us to the hotel.
“He actually took my bag for me and put it in the back [of the car].
“I said ‘wow, this is amazing. This is a story I must say to the guys. He is normal. Is he this crazy?’
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“After I had negotiations. I went back to Spartak Moscow as I had to wait for a visa.
“I looked out the aeroplane window and thought ‘wow I am going to play for Man Utd.
“‘But wow, I have signed for less money in Man Utd than I had in Spartak Moscow.
“But never mind, I am going to play for Man Utd. I never realised I was on less until I was on the plane.”
Vidic spent nine years at the club between 2005 and 2014, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League trophy.