Former-Manchester United defender reveals he spoke to Anfield officials
Mikael Silvestre has revealed he was close to joining Liverpool over Manchester United back in 1999, but made an ‘easy choice’ after seeing The Red Devils win the treble.
United won an incredible treble in 1999 and then over the summer signed Silvestre from Inter Milan for £4million, but things could have been very different.
The Frenchman has revealed that he held formal talks with Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier, but made his decision after seeing United achieve an incredible treble.
Now 37, Silvestre ended his career in England with Arsenal, after leaving Old Trafford with nine major honours to his name with Sir Alex Ferguson, but he has revealed that his career could have been very different.
Silvestre Reveals Liverpool Talks
“I was away with France Under-21s,” Silvestre revealed. “I spoke to Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier as well as Sir Alex Ferguson, but United had just won the treble so it was an easy choice for me to make!
“I was picked up by Sir Alex at the airport and he drove me to my hotel, the Marriot at Worsley, so we had a chat there.
“I had spoken to him on the phone before, but it was easier for me to talk face to face as my English wasn’t so good. Or should I say my Scottish!”
Silvestre Career
During his long stay in Manchester, Silvestre made 361 appearances for United, before joining Arsenal in 2008.
He stayed at the Emirates Stadium for two years, making 26 Premier League appearances. He spent last season with Chennaiyin FC of the Indian Super League.
Written by Alex Batt – @AlexBatt
