France international Jeremy Menez has admitted that he once turned down the opportunity to join Manchester United.
The current Paris Saint-Germain attacker has claimed that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to make him part of the club's academy in 2002.
However, Menez felt that he was too young to leave his then club Sochaux and his homeland.
"It was great fun. It is a club with a great coach, great players and I was flattered that they were interested in me," L'Equipe "In Mr Ferguson's office, my brother and I had a long talk and he explained to me what he wanted to do with me. It was too early, though, for me to go abroad.
"I did think about it. You think maybe it is now or never. But in such moments you have to remain calm. I had already been at Sochaux for three years and was in no rush to leave. I remember visiting the training centre and seeing the first team players - notably Mikael Silvestre.
"Then we had a meeting with Ferguson. I was impressed, he is a coach with so many titles. I didn't say much, I just listened to what he told me. He even spoke about wages. He is a very honest man and doesn't say things just to get you to sign."
The 25-year-old went on to sign for Monaco, before moving to Roma.
Liam Apicella
