For years it wasn't a transfer window if Manchester United weren't being linked with Nico Gaitan and the Argentine has revealed that work permit issues prevented him from moving to the Premier League.
Gaitan was once one of the most highly rated wingers in Europe as he made his name at Benfica but despite years of speculation he never made the switch to England.
He eventually made a big money transfer to Atletico Madrid but flattered to deceive in the Spanish capital, scoring just four goals in 49 appearances.
Gaitan left Atletico after two years for Chinese side DL Yilfang and has since played at Chicago Fire and Lille before returning to Portugal this summer with Braga.
The now 32-year-old has admitted that a move to the Premier League was once a possibility, but it never came fruition due to work permit issues.
“Once it was because of the work permit,” he told Record, via SportWitness. “I had no European citizenship and wasn’t a national team player. I used to be called up, but I didn’t play and it was necessary to fulfil a number of games. It didn’t meet these requirements and it wasn’t possible. But if it didn’t happen, it was for some reason.”
“What is certain is that I never asked to leave Benfica. Neither at Boca Juniors. I never asked to leave, nor did I kick the door to apply pressure to leave. I always let my agent handle it. He’d speak and I’d just give my point of view, without ever putting pressure.”
