Exclusive: Wesley Sneijder explains the real reason why move to Manchester United never happened

For years on end Wesley Sneijder was continually linked with a move to Manchester United in what felt like every single transfer window.

The rumours were persistent and you could always find a mention of the Dutchman and United in Sky Sports' 'Paper Talk' section on their website.

But much like what happened with Nicolas Gaitan, Ezequiel Garay and Sergio Ramos in the same period, an Old Trafford switch never materialised.

In 2021, Sir Alex Ferguson claimed that, contrary to reports, United were "never interested" in Sneijder and he didn't "know where that came from."

However, Sneijder claims that he was on the verge of signing for United 12 years ago during his absolute pomp.

The former Ajax man enjoyed a stellar period where he won a historic treble with Inter Milan and helped the Netherlands to the World Cup final in 2010.

He says a deal was "close" and later learned that his agent scuppered the move by asking for more money - with Ferguson telling a family member.

“Well, actually, I was close in 2011, Sneijder, a FedEx Express Ambassador for the UEFA Champions League, told SPORTbible in an exclusive interview.

"I was close in 2011 after the Champions League and after the World Cup. But then, what I heard later is that because at a certain point, we were talking with United and at a certain point, there was nothing anymore.

“And I asked my manager, ‘What happened with United?’ and he said, ‘No, nothing, it’s over’.

“But two years later, I found out that he asked for extra money for himself. So that's why the deal was over. So actually, [Sir Alex] Ferguson, he told one of my relatives.”

Sneijder poses with a series of Champions League final sculptures made out of 130 recycled cardboard boxes. (Image: Fedex)

In 2013, Sneijder had another opportunity to move to the Premier League when Liverpool came calling.

But he ultimately opted to sign for Galatasaray - primarily because he felt they were in a better position to win silverware but also due to him being able to enjoy the Christmas period without stepping onto the pitch.

He explained: “Before I came here to Istanbul. So in Inter, at the end, I had to choose between Liverpool and Galatasaray. And that time, Liverpool was not in the moment of winning.

"And to be honest, also, I like Christmas. A lot. So, playing on Boxing Day and these kind of games, not for me!

"The most important reason was that I wanted play for prizes, and I had the feeling more in Galatasaray to win prizes than in Liverpool.

“Not at all. I regret only one moment that it was my period in [Real] Madrid. I had an amazing career and I'm happy with all the moves I made So, no regrets.”

Sneijder was a truly gifted playmaker with a wonderful eye for a pass and a deadly long-range strike in his locker. But he also developed a reputation as a bit of a party animal and someone who enjoyed a drink.

This was particularly prevalent during his spell in the Spanish capital, where he played 62 times and scored 11 goals.

In his autobiography, the 39-year-old detailed his struggles with alcohol and how it became "medicine" for him.

Although he achieved enormous success in the game, he does believe he could have reached an even higher level had he been in a better place mentally.

Image: Alamy

“The only regrets I have are from my time in Madrid when I got divorced from my first wife," Sneijder said.

"But I was young, and I thought alcohol was the medicine to forget things, you know. But then actually it made me injured or not in a good shape anymore. So then in the end, I had to leave the club.

“I regret only that, because I believe that if, if I was mentally strong all the time, then yeah, I could be like, at the same level, [Karim] Benzema or Cristiano [Ronaldo] for many years in Madrid.

“But on the other side, I left the club, and I won the Champions League with Inter so things happen and it happens with a reason.”

Indeed, at Inter Sneijder was a sensation and excelled in the stunning 2009/10 campaign under Jose Mourinho.

Image: Alamy

He finished fourth in the Ballon d'Or rankings, behind only Barcelona trio Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Xavi after accruing 14.48% of the votes.

Many believe Sneijder was robbed of the award but the man himself has a different outlook on things - enjoying the fact that the fans are still outraged over it.

He admitted: “I was surprised. But to be honest, I didn't care. I had only one dream, and that was winning the Champions League, you know. And that, for me, was more valuable than winning individual prizes.

“But still now, it's 13 years later that everyone is talking about that I should win this Ballon d'Or in 2010, that still gives me a good feeling. You know what I mean?

“For me, it has more value that the people the world is still talking about that I had to win.”