• Premier League

Sneijder claims United move was close

ESPN staff
September 1, 2011
Wesley Sneijder's midfield craft has attracted Sir Alex Ferguson © PA Photos
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Wesley Sneijder has revealed that he felt he was set for a move to Manchester United this summer.

United were strongly linked with the Netherlands international and Sneijder claimed unofficial talks had taken place.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has spoken of his admiration for the 27-year-old, but repeatedly played down the prospect of luring the midfielder away from Inter Milan.

Sneijder felt that at one stage in the summer Inter would cash in on him, only for the club to move Samuel Eto'o on instead.

"I felt that it was close, yes [I thought I was going]," Sneijder told AD Sportwereld. "We had talks on several occasions and the situation was such that Inter had to sell a player, Eto'o or me, and there was interest.

"They [Manchester United] are one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it did not seem a bad thing. But at the same time I do not want to leave Inter.

"Italy is great for me and I think they [United] were aware of that. For me I did not feel I had to move and there were a few things which meant it did not happen."

Despite claiming talks had taken place, Sneijder has insisted there was never any direct contact with United boss Ferguson - but clearly left the door ajar for the future.

"No, Alex Ferguson and I have never spoken, so far," he concluded.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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