In a recent interview, Dutch star Sneijder talked about his experience of being close to joining Manchester United and Liverpool.
I was close to joining Manchester United
I think it was the season after we won the Champions League at Inter and they wanted to sign me, and I learned years later that we were actually very close to a deal, but it didn't work out because of issues with my agent. A few years later my father met Sir Alex Ferguson in a hotel in Manchester and during the conversation they mentioned trying to sign me and I later found out why I didn't join Manchester United. I didn't know about it at the time, it was new information for me and I'm sorry for that, because Manchester United is a big club and it would have been a great experience for my career. I was close to joining Liverpool, but I preferred Galatasaray. Liverpool were not in contention at the time and I wanted to lift trophies, lifting trophies at the end of the season is one of the best things in football. In addition, I identify more with the culture of Galatasaray. So, I was really close to joining Manchester United but for various reasons it didn't happen.
Have Arsenal or Chelsea ever tried to sign you?
They never expressed interest in me, but I always tell agents, don't tell me these things, don't tell me anything unless it's a special offer I can't refuse!
Do you regret never playing in the Premier League?
However, I don’t regret it, because I have a very exciting career. Maybe the six months in Nice can be exchanged for a six-month experience card in the Premier League, but it doesn’t matter. I accept this arrangement and I am satisfied with the career I have chosen.
Ever had the chance to play for Celtic or Rangers?
Never had it, but if they allowed me to play 18 Celtic vs. Rangers games in a season, I'd consider it! It was never my goal to play football in Scotland, but I love watching the old derbies. For me, Celtic playing Rangers is always special because there are always a lot of Dutch players there. Michael Morse, DeBoer and Arthur Newman all had great performances there, but I never considered playing there.
Which teams will be the top four in the Champions League this season?
Real Madrid, Paris, Bayern and Arsenal. I like Arsenal's current style of play very much. They have a very good lineup, are mentally very good, and are very strong tactically. But the problem with Arsenal is that they always fall apart in a good moment, but I think they can achieve some great things this season.
If Kane had a very good season at a club like Real Madrid or Manchester United, would he still lose out as a candidate for FIFA's Best Player?
Bayern is also a giant. Sometimes I really don’t understand how these decisions are made. Who is making these decisions? Sometimes I ask myself that too, because this is so ridiculous. But I don't think he would even dream about it. He doesn't care, and he shouldn't care, because he is focused on Bayern and thinking about the World Cup. He doesn't care whether he is selected as a candidate for FIFA's best player.
Could we see Yamal land in the Premier League?
We often discuss whether Yamal will become the next Messi. The club will not let him go easily. I believe this young player will not want to leave. He has grown up in Barcelona since he was a child and has achieved many achievements as a first-team player for Barcelona. He has also made a lot of money and is a big star of the team. Why would he consider going to England, Germany or other places? This doesn't make any sense. Maybe in the future he will leave like Messi to seek new challenges, but will that be in 2025? If we talk about this again in 10 years, Yamal will still be at Barcelona. Can Yamal reach or even surpass Messi's level? Chances are, the player is improving every year and he has reached a very high level.
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