Florentino Perez admits he was close to signing Arsenal legend
Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez has revealed just how close he was to signing Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira a year before the Frenchman left to join Juventus.
The powerhouse midfielder was vital to Arsene Wenger‘s side, and some still say that the club haven’t managed to replace him despite it being over a decade ago when he left.
Perez was mainly discussing the failed pursuit of David De Gea from Manchester United, and he heavily accused Ed Woodward of botching the deal on purpose by sending the paperwork too late.
However, Perez then continued and admitted that these things happen, just like the time he missed out on signing Vieira in 2004.
“We have missed out on players before, Franck Ribery and Patrick Vieira for example,” he said.
Vieira has also spoken out about the near move in 2004, and he confirmed that he changed his mind at the last minute before then going on to join Juve a year later.
Vieira Discusses Collapsed Move
“I didn’t see any reason to leave, I don’t know if it was lack of courage to go.
“If I knew I was leaving the year after, I was going to Madrid.”
