With Gary Neville just three years away from swapping the turf for Andy Gray's seat, and with the alternative being John O'Shea, who had fashioned a long career at the club without actually managing to hold down a regular starting berth, Mancheter United were in the hunt for a right-back. Jose Bosingwa had been one of the most talked about defenders in Europe during the 07/08 season, having produced some stellar performances for FC Porto, so it was no surprise that Sir Alex Ferguson's interest was peaked. Having been linked to Aston Villa in the past, United were ready a summer swoop for the £15 million-rated 25 year old.
''Being linked with United is a positive thing as it means I am performing well. United are a sensational club. To play next to Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani is such a big advantage. But until the end of the season, I think only of Porto. I want to fight for the Champions League.'' - Jose Bosingwa, February 2008.
In May, Chelsea acted quickly to secure his signature, however. With Euro 2008 looming, Roman Abramovich tied up the deal so as to avoid a bidding war, signing a three-year deal for a fee of £16 million. It was an interesting case of symmetry for the Blues, as they tied up a deal for a Portuguese right-back from FC Porto virtually on the eve of a European Championships four years earlier. While Chelsea may have beaten Man United to the punch on May 12 for Bosingwa's signature, it would be the Red Devils who would be the real winners that month, courtesy of a patch of wet grass and a loss of gravity befalling a certain Chelsea captain.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
