Three-time Premier League winner reveals he had signed for Real Madrid but move collapsed: ‘The story is incredible’

Three-time Premier League winner reveals he had signed for Real Madrid but move collapsed: ‘The story is incredible’ Carlos Tevez has lifted the lid on one of football’s great transfer what-ifs, revealing that he had already signed a contract to join Real Madrid before the deal unexpectedly fell apart. The former Argentina international enjoyed a remarkable career that included spells at Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus.  However, according to Tevez himself, there was a moment when he was on the verge of adding Real Madrid to that list. In a candid conversation, as relayed by Mundo Deportivo , the former striker shared details of a transfer that had progressed far beyond simple negotiations.  He said that the move was completed and waiting to be formally announced before events behind the scenes dramatically changed everything. Tevez was set to become a Real Madrid player While many remember Tevez’s controversial switch from Manchester United to Manchester City, few were aware that Real Madrid had been extremely close to securing his signature around the same period. The Argentine admitted that a move to the Santiago Bernabeu was not merely a possibility but a deal that had already reached an advanced stage. Tevez came close to signing for Barcelona. (Photo by Amilcar Orfali/Getty Images) “I came close, I came close when I moved from United to City. It’s incredible; the story is incredible – it’s a long one, a very long one.” He then went on to explain just how far discussions had progressed behind closed doors. Providing more details, the former forward revealed, “We’d signed the contract and had to keep it with a solicitor, imagine that. I spoke to the president and he said to me: ‘Welcome to the White House’.  “I spoke to Calderon (Ramon, the president at the time) at three in the morning. We’d finalised everything with Mijatovic (Pedja, the sporting director at the time).” The secret agreement that never saw the daylight According to Tevez, the transfer remained hidden from public view because all parties had agreed to wait before making the deal official. The striker explained that the signed contract had been placed with a notary and was expected to be presented after the season. Carlos Teves is now a football coach. (Photo by Hernan Cortez/Getty Images) “We couldn’t say anything. We signed the contract, left it with the notary to be presented after the season.” Everything appeared to be heading towards a successful conclusion. However, football transfers can often be influenced by events away from the pitch, and in this case Real Madrid’s political situation ultimately changed the course of history. According to Tevez, the departure of the club president effectively destroyed the agreement that had already been put in place.  The changes within the club’s hierarchy led to the collapse of a move that had looked inevitable. “They kicked Calderón out… out went the contract, out went everyone,” he added. Source: Mundo Deportivo