AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini has revealed that several Premier League teams, including Manchester United, tried to tempt him to England during his illustrious career.
In an interview with Jamie Carragher for the Daily Mail, Maldini said: “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.
“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 stayed with AC Milan for 24 years, but the offers to work in England have continued even during retirement, with Chelsea hoping to tie him to a coaching role back in 2009.
“The offer came only one week after my last game for Milan,” he said.
“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. “
