Paolo Maldini reveals Manchester United tried to sign him

If only...

AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini recently opened up to Jamie Carragher of all people about his storied career. The Italian defender explained to Carra that a few Premier League clubs were sniffing about, when the going got tough at AC Milan.

"I had an offer from Manchester United, but I didn’t speak directly to them. Luca Vialli, when he was Chelsea manager, called me. That was in 1996. We’d had a very bad season. There was also something from Arsenal, but I never spoke to them directly."

However, Maldini admitted that he didn't entertain the offers, although he briefly (very briefly) fantasized about one day moving to England.

"I would have said no anyway. Vialli was a friend of mine and he was the only one who made me think. I had some problems with my team and the supporters at that time. I thought, just for one day, ‘What if?’ But then, no."

Maldini also explained that he was offered a coaching role at Chelsea, although he turned it down because the timing was all wrong.

"The offer came only one week after my last game for Milan. I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to move my family to London. I went there. I spoke to Mr Abramovich. I spoke to Ray Wilkins, who I had played with at Milan. I don’t know. I decided not to do it. "

Hat-tip to the Daily Mail