Not for the first time, Marcos Senna has spoken about his failed move from Villarreal to Manchester United.
Born in Rio de Janeiro, he later took up Spanish citizenship and represented the country at international level. In 2006, he had the opportunity to move to Manchester United, and at the time it was reported the then midfielder had snubbed the English club, preferring to stay in La Liga and with Villarreal instead.
He continued with the Spanish club until 2013, when he moved to New York Cosmos.
Ahead of the Champions League match between Manchester United and Villarreal, Senna has been speaking to AS. Asked by the Spanish newspaper about his failed move to Old Trafford, the 45-year-old explained: “I had almost everything agreed with at United, only the signature was missing and the truth is that I was very close to leaving.
“They asked for some days and at that time I spoke with Pellegrini and the club, they were putting together a great project that I liked. Also, my wife was pregnant with my first child. I had to stay at home, and it was the best decision of my life.”
Unfortunately for Senna, he didn’t enjoy any trophy success with Villarreal beyond that point, although he did pick up a medal with Spain as the country won Euro 2008.
Now an ambassador for the Spanish club, Senna remains proud that Sir Alex Ferguson, “one of the greatest”, targeted him for Manchester United.
