Barcelona ace Robert Lewandowski stated in an exclusive interview with Bild that Jürgen Klopp prevented him from joining Manchester United during the 2011 summer transfer window.
The Polish star is recognised as one of the top strikers in football. With 27 goals from 34 games, the 34-year-old has had an outstanding first season with Barcelona.
Lewandowski recently disclosed to Bild that Sir Alex Ferguson was interested in signing him for United in 2011, but it was a rare occasion to meet with the famous head coach.
However, a move never happened. Lewandowski wanted to join United, but the club’s CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke and manager Jürgen Klopp blocked his move.
The Barcelona striker said:
“I remember the moment exactly. We had a friendly with Dortmund in preparation, I think against Bochum. I was subbed at half-time. I looked at my mobile phone in the dressing room.”
“There was a text message with the sender +44. Ferguson had tried to call me and then sent me a message. He wanted to talk to me. I was still in the dressing room, I took a shower and called him back, in a quiet corner.”
“My English wasn’t as good as it is today. He has a strong Scottish accent. I was so focused on understanding what he meant! Alex Ferguson tried to be considerate, spoke slowly.”
“I was 22 years old, it was a special moment. I spoke to Aki Watzke and Jürgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man United! But they said: ‘No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay.”
When playing for Dortmund, Lewandowski was among the best young strikers in European football. He has now attained stardom on a global scale and a stellar scoring history.
While Dortmund had no intention of selling the Pole, Sir Alex had a grand scheme to lure him to Old Trafford. He spent four years with Dortmund before transferring for free to Bayern in 2014. United could have won a lot more trophies over the past ten years if they had signed him in the first place.
The team lost out on a tremendous opportunity, but that is now history. To compete for the league title next season, the club should sign a star striker this summer.
