'I agreed': Manchester United icon shares just how close he was to joining Liverpool under Rafa Benitez
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Nemanja Vidic might not be loved by the Liverpool faithful due to his Manchester United connection, but the defender enjoyed a trophy-laden career in the Premier League.
He was part of Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering side and is regarded as one of the best defenders in Premier League history.
Vidic is best known to the Anfield faithful as he came out second best whenever he faced Fernando Torres.
But by his own admission, it looks like he could have been a Liverpool player if things fell in place under Rafa Benitez.
Nemanja Vidic was so close to moving to Liverpool
After bursting onto the scene at Red Star Belgrade – a club he captained at the age of 21 – the Serbian defender enhanced his reputation with a series of fantastic displays for Spartak Moscow.
In the summer of 2006, Vidic quickly became a wanted man and was the subject of interest from Liverpool, with Benitez on the lookout for a defender who could replace Sami Hyypia in the long term.
However, the move never materialised and Manchester United came calling shortly afterward as the young Serb made the move to Old Trafford.
Vidic claims he had a private conversation with Benitez and cited financial constraints as a potential reason behind his failed move to Anfield.
Read More:Nemanja Vidic says Liverpool have one of the best defenders in the world in their squad
"The Russian leagues were expanding and a lot of agents and scouts were coming to watch the games,” said Vidic on Sky Sports.
“When people start speaking good about you, a lot of people find the interest. I agreed a deal to go to Fiorentina then came Liverpool. My English wasn't good enough to speak to Rafa Benitez.
“My wife, who was my girlfriend at the time, was actually with me in the car when I spoke with Rafa. He showed first interest and wanted to bring me to the club.
“Probably there was an issue with the clubs in terms of the money to pay, but definitely, he was keen to bring me.
“Sir Alex Ferguson called me, maybe three weeks after Rafa. He asked me if I wanted to play for Manchester United and I said yes."
Vidic one that got away for Liverpool
Vidic made 211 Premier League appearances for Manchester United and won the league five times, having also got his hands on the Player of the Season award twice.
Read More:Nemanja Vidic now shares his thoughts on playing against former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres
He obviously played for Manchester United and helped the club dominate English football, but if Benitez got his way in 2006, he’d have swapped Spartak for Liverpool.
Another one for the Reds to file in the ‘one that got away’ category.
