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Manchester United hero Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he never intended to leave the club, despite a number of attractive offers from elsewhere…
The 35-year-old will play one last time at Old Trafford as the club commemorates his 11-season United career with a testimonial match against Espanyol on August 2.
The Norwegian was forced into retirement last year after succumbing to a series of knee problems, but he has stayed on at the club and is set to step in as United's reserves coach next season.
Renowned for his exploits as a super-sub, many were surprised the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin' never left the Red Devils in search of more starting opportunities.
But Solskjaer insisted he was loath to leave the club and the manager that gave him his big break, although he admitted there were occasions when a move seemed imminent.
Good Fit
"I never fancied going," said Solskjaer. "The only time it was even an issue was when the club accepted a bid for me from Tottenham in 1998.
"I went to see the gaffer but he said 'I didn't accept it, I want you here and you will play a big part in my squad'. I just thought that is good enough for me I will stay.
"My agent was not very happy with me because I was so stubborn but nowadays even he admits I was right.
"The thing is, Manchester United always fitted me quite well. And I will be remembered as an important member of the team during a period when Manchester United has been very successful.
"I can see now that I will always be in the history books. That makes me very proud."
No Comment
It would seem not everyone at United shares the former Molde man's unequivocal devotion to the club, however, as Cristiano Ronaldo continues to toy with the possibility of moving to Real Madrid.
But Solskjaer refused to get drawn into the debate regarding the Portugal winger's future, saying: "I have an opinion on Cristiano but it is not my business to talk in public about it."
The 35-year-old will play one last time at Old Trafford as the club commemorates his 11-season United career with a testimonial match against Espanyol on August 2.
The Norwegian was forced into retirement last year after succumbing to a series of knee problems, but he has stayed on at the club and is set to step in as United's reserves coach next season.
Renowned for his exploits as a super-sub, many were surprised the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin' never left the Red Devils in search of more starting opportunities.
But Solskjaer insisted he was loath to leave the club and the manager that gave him his big break, although he admitted there were occasions when a move seemed imminent.
Good Fit
"I never fancied going," said Solskjaer. "The only time it was even an issue was when the club accepted a bid for me from Tottenham in 1998.
"I went to see the gaffer but he said 'I didn't accept it, I want you here and you will play a big part in my squad'. I just thought that is good enough for me I will stay.
"My agent was not very happy with me because I was so stubborn but nowadays even he admits I was right.
"The thing is, Manchester United always fitted me quite well. And I will be remembered as an important member of the team during a period when Manchester United has been very successful.
"I can see now that I will always be in the history books. That makes me very proud."
No Comment
It would seem not everyone at United shares the former Molde man's unequivocal devotion to the club, however, as Cristiano Ronaldo continues to toy with the possibility of moving to Real Madrid.
But Solskjaer refused to get drawn into the debate regarding the Portugal winger's future, saying: "I have an opinion on Cristiano but it is not my business to talk in public about it."
