10 Players Who Should Regret Turning Down Man Utd
6. Andy Cole
Barry Coombs/EMPICS SportIn 2001, Andy Cole called time on his illustrious six-year spell at Manchester United, where he had scored 93 goals in nearly 200 appearances, winning five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League. He later revealed the decision was the only regret of his career. Cole was a huge fan favourite at Old Trafford and manager Sir Alex Ferguson was desperate to keep him. However, with the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea on the horizon, and having seen first-team opportunities begin to dwindle at United, he opted for a move to Blackburn Rovers to keep his dream of representing England in the tournament alive. It didn't work out. Cole failed to make the final 23-man squad for Japan and South Korea and would later rue not staying at United for longer. The striker admitted: When I left the club, I wanted to play more games and I saw the manager numerous times.He told me that I didnt have to go, he didnt want me to go, I could have stayed for as long as I could and I would get my games. But I was trying to force myself into the World Cup squad."In the end, he just said Okay, I understand and I know what you are like, I will let you go. The crazy thing is that he sold me for £7million, which is more than what he paid for me. He got me for £6m and sold me for £7m. So I remember that last meeting with him like it was yesterday.
I really enjoyed my time but I left far too early. That is my only regret. I could have stayed at the football club for a lot longer and, looking back, I wish I had.