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Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed he was keen to join Manchester United before he moved to Bayern Munich.
Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has revealed he received a phone call from former Man United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, asking him to join the club but Jurgen Klopp refused to sanction a potential departure.
Lewandowski's failed move to Manchester United
Lewandowski moved to Borussia Dortmund in 2010 after a successful spell at Lech Poznan and despite scoring only 9 goals in his first season, his qualities stood out.
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Legendary former Manchester United manager, Ferguson, saw enormous potential in the Poland international and decided to take matters into his own hands.
“I remember the moment exactly,” Lewandowski said in an interview with Sport Bild.
“We had a friendly game in preparation, I think against Bochum. I was subbed at half-time.
"I looked at my mobile phone in the dressing room. There was a text message with the sender +44. Ferguson had tried to call me and then sent me a message. He wanted to talk to me.
“I was still in the dressing room, I took a shower and called him back, in a quiet corner. My English wasn’t as good as it is today.
"He has a strong Scottish accent. I was so focused on understanding what he meant! Alex Ferguson tried to be considerate, spoke slowly.
“I was 22-years-old, it was a special moment. I spoke to Aki Watzke and Jurgen Klopp in the camp. I wanted to go to Man United! But they said: ‘No chance, Robert. We need you. You have to stay’.”
‘They were better than us’ — Xavi on Barcelona’s El Clasico defeat
Verdict - Good decision by Lewandowski to stay
Following Klopp's refusal to entertain the idea of a sale, Lewandowski exploded in his second season in Germany. Going on to score 30 goals in all competitions as Dortmund retained their title.
He led the club to the Champions League final the following year before transferring to Bayern Munich on a free transfer in 2014.
He was even more prolific in Bayern Munich colours, scoring a breathtaking 344 goals in 375 appearances in Munich.
Lewandowski, now 34, has shown so signs of slowing down as he continues to score at an alarming rate for new club Barcelona.
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Despite playing in a new country for the first time in 12 years, he has found the net 27 times in 34 outings for the Blaugrana.
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