Essien - I almost joined United

Work permit problems ended Old Trafford move

Last updated: 12th January 2008

Essien - I almost joined United

Essien: United trial

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Chelsea star Michael Essien has revealed he came close to joining Manchester United as a youngster.

Essien, who is away on international duty with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations, had a trial at Old Trafford when he was 17.

The 25-year-old says work permit problems prevented him from making the move to Manchester United.

Essien, who was a Red Devils fan as a child, claims he is happy to be at Chelsea despite missing out on a move to Old Trafford.

"I had always dreamed of playing in Europe and, as a boy, my team were Manchester United," Essien told The Sun.

"When they offered me a one-week trial I just couldn't believe it, I was so happy.

"I remember being there and thinking 'Wow, this is the biggest club in the world'.

"I never had the courage to speak to any of the big players. I never even trained with the first-team squad.

"At the end of the trial, the club said they really liked me and wanted to sign me.

Never happened

"But they could not sort out a work permit and the move never happened.

"Instead, I ended up joining Bastia in France before moving to Lyon and then Chelsea.

"I'm not sure what Alex Ferguson would say about it now. Today I could move there no problem because I have the right documents.

"But I'll never go there because I am so happy at Chelsea. Now I'm a Chelsea fan through and through.

"Right now I am just happy I chose the right club and hope I can go on and make United pay by winning lots of trophies."