Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand was at one point the best-paid defender in the football world. It came as no surprise that the top clubs in Europe tried to recruit him and the suitors included Barcelona and Real Madrid. The United legend claimed he said no to the Spanish giants.
The statement was made during a discussion among pundits that it is hard for players to pass up on a chance to play either at Santiago Bernabeu or Camp Nou. Presented with such an opportunity, which promises fame and fortune, it will be hard to resist.
That was the contention made on the rumors that Barca and Real will be raiding the Premier League and gunning to acquire key players like Virgil Van Dijk from Liverpool and Raheem Sterling from Manchester City. If these players will be courted by the Spanish clubs, saying no seems not an option.
It may be true but nor for Ferdinand. Metro said the former United skipper was given the chance to play in Spain and leave Old Trafford. He rejected the offer.
"I didn't go," was the terse response from Ferdinand.
He was responding to the suggestion made by Paul Merson that when Sterling is presented with a formal offer from either Barcelona or Real Madrid, he will be as good as lost to City.
Merson declared: "I've never known anyone to not go."
City boss Pep Guardiola agreed that for many players getting to Spain is a dream come true and more so if the destination is any of Madrid or Barcelona. He conceded that the Spanish clubs come knocking on a team's roster is something dreaded in football.
"All the clubs have to know that when Real Madrid or Barcelona knock on the door, the other clubs must tremble," the Catalan was quoted by Bleacher Report as saying.
Guardiola, however, is taking comfort on his belief that despite the temptation, Sterling will remain where he is. The team manager said he is convinced that Sterling is strongly committed to Manchester City.
For his part, Sterling has been clear with one thing - that a move to Spain is part of his long-term plans. The 25-year-old admitted that the thought of playing for any of Barcelona and Real Madrid is overwhelming.
"When you see the white shirt you know exactly what the club stands for, it's massive," the midfielder was reported as saying.
But not playing in Spain proved a huge plus for Ferdinand. He went on to become one of the best in his class, and his work as a defender for the Red Devils, in collaboration with Nemanja Vidic, is still considered the best seen in the Premier League.
