Damien Duff revealed he almost signed for Manchester United… before Chelsea splashed the cash to scupper the ‘done deal’
Irish forward claims Sir Alex Ferguson spoke to him a few times and he wanted to head to Old Trafford but Blues' ambition under Roman Abramovich made him realise where he belonged
DAMIEN DUFF has revealed he almost signed for Manchester United... before Chelsea splashed the cash to scupper the 'done deal'.
The Irish star was in the form of his life while at Blackburn Rovers in the early 00s when Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign him.
Duff claims he spoke to Fergie on a number of occasions and was all set to complete a £17million transfer.
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Duff told the Irish Independent: "I spoke to them [Manchester United] a few times.
"I wanted it to happen but the fee back then was for £17million.
"I don't know what the equivalent fee is now - but in 2003, that was a massive deal."
However, just as Duff closed in on a remarkable move to Old Trafford, Chelsea - newly under mega-rich Roman Abramovich - came knocking, luring him to Stamford Bridge by building a 'super-team'.
Duff added: "Alex Ferguson spoke with me the summer I left for Chelsea [in 2003] and also the summer before, after the World Cup.
"What happened was this... Roman Abramovich had bought Chelsea that summer. They had the money. The deal was done.
"I thought about it for a week and when I saw the squad they were building, I just knew I had to go there to further my career."
Duff spent three seasons at Chelsea before moving to Newcastle United - where he spent another three seasons.
The Irish star - who racked up 100 international caps in his career - then spent the rest of his English career at Fulham, before a move to Melbourne City and then Shamrock Rovers.
