Former Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has revealed that he always dreamt of playing for Manchester United - but the strength of United's midfield meant that his dream never became a reality.
The former Italy international spent 17 seasons playing for Roma, racking up over 600 appearances during that time, before joining Argentinian giants Boca Juniors in July 2019, signing a one-year deal.
At one stage during his Roma career, which saw him win just three trophies, the 36-year-old was interested in making a move to the Premier League and joining United.
However, with Sir Alex Ferguson's side boasting such players as Roy Keane and Paul Scholes in the midfield at the time, De Rossi - who won the FIFA World Cup with Italy back in 2006 in Germany - decided to stay at Roma.
Now, the Italian legend has opened up on why the prospect of competing with the likes of Keane and Scholes for a midfield berth put him off a move to Old Trafford.
Speaking to Sky Sports, De Rossi explained: "Since I was a child I have loved United. it was the right choice that I didn't go to Manchester because there was Keane and Scholes, incredible players. It was really my desire to go to Boca Juniors.
"I never chose to leave Roma, but I felt like a god at Boca."
