FC Barcelona is one of the best clubs in the world. In 2008 a player of the Champions League winner Manchester United sees it differently and stays in England.
Rio Ferdinand has rejected a transfer from Manchester United to FC Barcelona in 2008.
The former England international’s adviser had already held talks with the Catalan club, Ferdinand told BT Sport.
Ferdinand canceled Rijkaard – Manchester United “a great club
After the Champions League semi-final in Camp Nou (0:0) he informed the then Barca coach Frank Rijkaard of his cancellation, although he had impressed the Spanish officials with his performance.
Ferdinand had “always said that I wanted to play abroad. But his success with Manchester United at the Red Devils kept him there. “I was lucky to have found a great club in Manchester United,” said the now 41-year-old. He has no regrets about staying.
In the return leg at Old Trafford, United won 1-0, and in the final against Chelsea FC, Ferdinand even captained his team on the wet pitch in Moscow. The Red Devils won 6-5 on penalties.
Man United Champions League winners 2008 – no reason to change
“We beat them (Barcelona, the editor),” the 2008 Champions League winner explained the decision. “So why would I transfer to another team?
While a change from the current Europa League participant to the Catalan star ensemble would undoubtedly have been a step forward for the Englishman today, the balance of power in Europe was reversed.
“At that point, Xavi, Iniesta and Messi,” who was only 20 years old when the duel took place, “were not yet the players they were three or four years later.”
Ferdinand loses to Messi and Barcelona in 2009 and 2011
Already in the following season this changed abruptly. Messi led the team of new coach Pep Guardiola to the title in the premier class – against United and Ferdinand, of all teams, who remained nothing but astonished spectators with Messi’s header for a 2-0 win.
In 2011, when Peps Barca was probably at his peak, the Red Devils were without a chance in the Wembley final (3-1).
Overall, Ferdinand collected numerous titles over the twelve seasons. In addition to the handle pot, he also secured six Premier League medals.
He spent a season with Queens Park Rangers (2014/15) before ending his career. He played 81 international matches for England, which he also captained.