In 2012, as Sir Alex Ferguson ready for his remaining season managing Manchester United, the legendary supervisor set his sights on strengthening his squad to reclaim the Premier League title. His most notable signing was Robin van Persie from Arsenal for €30 million. Nonetheless, one other participant was on Ferguson’s radar: Robert Lewandowski.
The then 24-year-old Polish striker was making waves at Borussia Dortmund underneath Jürgen Klopp, demonstrating spectacular goal-scoring means. Whereas the signing of van Persie vastly strengthened the group, the missed alternative to signal Lewandowski continues to be a subject of dialog and hypothesis.
Twelve years later, Lewandowski has revealed particulars of his dialog with Sir Alex Ferguson and the explanations behind his failure to affix Manchester United. In an interview with Rio Ferdinand on the previous England defender’s YouTube channel, Lewandowski recounted the occasions surrounding Ferguson’s strategy. Lewandowski confirmed that he had certainly spoken to Ferguson and agreed to a switch to Manchester United.
Nonetheless, the switch by no means materialized as a result of Borussia Dortmund’s choice. In accordance with Lewandowski, Dortmund’s president knowledgeable him that the membership wanted him and wouldn’t let him go, emphasizing his significance to the group. The choice made by Dortmund is attention-grabbing to contemplate, given Lewandowski’s appreciable accomplishments at later golf equipment. This highlights the unpredictable nature of participant transfers and the significance of timing in soccer.
A pivotal choice: Saying sure to Ferguson
Regardless of the finally unsuccessful switch, Lewandowski emphasised the importance of Ferguson’s name: “If Sir Alex Ferguson calls you, you don’t say no,” he acknowledged. This underscores Ferguson’s fame and affect within the soccer world. The choice to reject Ferguson’s provide was a major one and demonstrates the potential significance that he had within the participant’s profession.
Lewandowski stayed at Dortmund for 2 extra seasons, earlier than shifting to Bayern Munich in 2014. At Bayern, he achieved unprecedented success, profitable eight consecutive Bundesliga titles and changing into the league’s high scorer six instances. Dortmund, in the meantime, hasn’t received the Bundesliga since Lewandowski’s departure, highlighting the affect of his departure and suggesting that Dortmund would possibly now remorse their choice.
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