Arsenal legend: Sir Alex Ferguson called me but I rejected Man Utd move

Alan Smith joined Arsenal despite interest from Manchester United

ARSENAL legend Alan Smith has revealed he rejected the chance to join Manchester United during his time at Leicester.

 

The former England international spent five years at Leicester before agreeing to join Arsenal in 1987, where he scored 115 goals in 347 appearances.

Smith, 52, admits United were also interested at the time, but then-boss Sir Alex Ferguson called too late as he already decided on playing for the Gunners.

"It was in my last season [at Leicester] I heard of Arsenal's interest and United were also keen," said Smith. "Sir Alex called me up but I had already agreed to sign for Arsenal by then.

"I agreed to go back to City to finish the season on loan and I shouldn't really have agreed to that because Arsenal and Leicester had the best of both worlds.

 

Alan Smith won six honours during his time at Arsenal

 

Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Alan Smith at Manchester United

"It was a bit awkward, especially when we had to go to Highbury and face Arsenal.

"I tried to get out of it but Gordon Milne said I had to play. That was the most difficult game I have ever played in as a professional footballer."