After four years of trying, Sir Alex Ferguson signed Jesper Blomqvist for Manchester United.
The former Sweden winger finally arrived at Old Trafford from Italian club Parma in the summer of 1998.
However, he later revealed that the Red Devils had been keen to sign him for several seasons before he made the move.
Blomqvist ultimately joined the club just in time for the greatest season in their history.
Reflecting on his move in 2020, he told the UTD Podcast: “[Carlo] Ancelotti got fired [at Parma] and they hired a new coach, and I wasn’t sure if he really wanted me.
“This was during the summer break, and then Sir Alex came in again for me.
“He doesn’t just pick a player, he was after me for four years. I felt he wasn’t just looking for a left-midfielder, he wanted me.
“I felt really strongly, even though I knew the competition from Giggsy [Ryan Giggs] would be really tough. But I knew he had been looking at me for four years, so I knew he wanted me, not just any left-footed midfielder.
“It was hard to leave Italy, but, in the end, it was the best decision I ever made!”
Blomqvist enjoyed a dream debut season in England as United went on to win the treble.
Under Ferguson, they became the first English club to win the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the same campaign.
The success proved that Blomqvist made the right choice in waiting to make the move.
Blomqvist started for United in the 1999 Champions League finalGetty He won the treble in his debut season after signing from Parma in 1998GettyAsked if he wished he had joined the Red Devils sooner, he said: “No not really, not with the way it turned out.”
Despite being an unused substitute in the FA Cup final win over Newcastle, he started the Champions League showpiece four days later.
Blomqvist played 67 minutes against Bayern Munich at the Camp Nou before being replaced by Teddy Sheringham, who scored United’s stoppage-time equaliser before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s winner in the dying moments.
He added: “The way it turned out my first season was the Treble season! For me, even though I had some tough years in Italy, it made me a different person.
“I know it may seem strange, but for me, coming to Manchester and having the experience coming from Italy, it validated me as a player. People weren’t asking me how I’d got on in Sweden, but in Italy.
“Even though I’d only been there for two years it gave me more credibility from the people at the club. It’s strange, but it’s the way it works in football.”
The wideman went on to make a total of 38 appearances for United, scoring once and providing five assists.
Blomqvist left Old Trafford after three years to join Everton in 2001.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Manchester United tried to sign winger four times before transfer and pay-off was instant )
Also on site :
- Knicks erase 20-point deficit with furious rally to stun Celtics in Game 1
- FC Barcelona vs Inter Milan Predictions lineups and free online live stream for Champions League Semifinal
- Islanders win NHL draft lottery, claim No. 1 pick