In a recent interview, former Chelsea player Arjen Robben disclosed the circumstances that led him to join Chelsea despite the initial interest from Manchester United. Robben revealed that although he had a captivating conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary manager of Manchester United, during a dinner in Manchester, the deal never materialized.

 

Robben elaborated on his experience, stating, “I had a very interesting conversation with him (Sir Alex Ferguson) over dinner in Manchester, and we talked about football and life. I also looked around the training ground, and everything seemed fine. But after I returned to PSV, nothing happened. There was no real contact, and the deal did not happen.”

 

During that time, PSV Eindhoven, Robben’s former club, was engaged in negotiations with both Manchester United and Chelsea. Robben speculated that Chelsea might have offered PSV a more lucrative financial package, although he admitted he was uncertain of the specifics. He further explained, “I spoke with Chelsea, and I liked their plan. We had a meeting, and everything fell into place quite quickly. And, you know, everything else is history.”

 

Robben’s revelation sheds light on the series of events that led to his eventual move to Chelsea. The allure of Chelsea’s proposed plan and the swift progress made during their discussions ultimately swayed his decision, resulting in him donning the famous blue jersey and embarking on a successful journey with the London-based club.

 

While Manchester United missed out on the opportunity to secure the talented winger’s services, Robben’s decision to join Chelsea proved to be significant, as he went on to become an integral part of the team’s success and left an indelible mark on the club’s history.

As Robben reminisces about the past and reflects on the choices he made, football enthusiasts are reminded of the pivotal role that seemingly small factors can play in shaping the trajectory of a player’s career.