As many others have discovered throughout the years, just because you’re a superstar in another league does not ensure you’ll shine in the Premier League. England’s top division is one of the most physical and fierce domestic competitions in Europe, and over the years, numerous greats have attempted to establish their legacy at the country’s most prestigious clubs.
Manchester United is one team where making an influence has become increasingly tough. Angel Di Maria, Paul Pogba, and Radamel Falcao all attempted to become the next big star at Old Trafford after impressive periods at other European teams, but failed to make the cut.
Another notable figure on this list is Juan Sebastian Veron. The Argentine midfielder was one of the finest in Serie A when United signed him, but he struggled to duplicate his brilliance and was moved to Chelsea two seasons later. However, the former Lazio player admitted that he now regrets the trade.
Veron Reveals Regret Over Joining Chelsea
The Argentine spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge
Veron was regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in the world when he joined the Red Devils after dominating Lazio for years. However, the Argentine star was joining a squad that used a tight 4-4-2 style and already featured Paul Scholes and Roy Keane in the center of the midfield.
This not only made it tough for Veron to get into the team, but it also required him to change into a different type of player in the engine room that had previously served him well. While he had some brilliant moments, such as scoring the winning goal in United’s memorable 5-3 comeback triumph over Tottenham, he failed to deliver at the levels that supporters and Sir Alex Ferguson had hoped for, which is why he was eventually transferred to Chelsea on a cheap deal a year later.
The Blues were beginning to make their imprint on English football under the watchful eye of owner Roman Abramovich, but Veron does not fondly remember his time in London. According to the Manchester Evening News, the now-50-year-old considered returning to Italy around the time of his Chelsea move and revealed why he regretted the decision:
“At Chelsea, I had little time. I suffered a significant back injury and was out for over six months. I was already considering going back to Italy rather than staying in England.
“The reality about United is that I regret very few things. But one must have left Manchester. They never pressured me or said, “You have to go,” but they did give me the opportunity, the possibility. I spoke with my previous colleagues at the time, who told me that I had to stay. And at one point, I decided to go because I wanted to play, and I had no idea… I should have stayed.”
In the end, injuries limited Veron to only seven league appearances for the Blues in two years, and 14 in all competitions, making him one of the club’s most disappointing signings.
Ferguson’s Comments on Veron’s Manchester United Career
The legendary manager had full faith in the midfielder
Sir Alex Ferguson claimed after buying the Argentine great that he never expected to pay as much as £28.1 million for the Lazio player, but thought it was good value for money:
“I never imagined I’d spend so much money on a footballer. I believe he is entering the prime years of his career, and we will benefit from that. He is a world-class, excellent footballer with a game plan that we can use.”
However, following his departure to London, Ferguson revealed his thoughts on Veron’s time at Old Trafford, as well as corroborated the midfielder’s allegations that he regretted leaving. According to Sky Sports, the Scot said:
“Juan Veron had excellent football ability and talent. However, at times, he found the Premiership difficult. He was a European player, and it was where we saw his best form.
“He did not want to go. His agent was speaking with Chelsea, and he was aware of what was happening. We had to consider the long-term implications, and the package we received was too wonderful to pass up.”
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