Manchester United legend reveals he had a chance to join Real Madrid: ‘Would have been nice’

Manchester United legend reveals he had a chance to join Real Madrid: ‘Would have been nice’ Real Madrid, over the years, has evolved into a club of legends and has always ensured it keeps some of, if not most, of the sport’s biggest names at any given time. In that sense, most of the top players in the world have at least been closely linked with Real Madrid at some point in their careers, if not represented the club directly. Manchester United legend Antonio Valencia, in a recent interview, admitted that he too falls in the former category and that he had a real chance to join  Los Blancos  during his playing days. Manchester United legend’s admission Antonio Valencia could have been a Real Madrid player. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) In a recent interview, the former Manchester United star opened up on his relationship with Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and his chance to join Real Madrid which he passed on back in the day. Speaking on his missed chance to join  Los Blancos  and why he did not push for it at the time, Valencia said, “I had that opportunity, yes. At the time, it would have been nice, but I decided to go to United.” “Looking back, I’m proud, first, that the people at Madrid took an interest in a player like me, and second, of the career I had at Manchester,”  he added. He even interacted closely with Jose Mourinho during his time at Old Trafford and gave his two cents on the coach’s quality and legacy. “Yes, I had the opportunity to have him as a mister, as my boss. I appreciate him very much and the truth is that we had a great time. We win with titles with him.” Valencia heaped praise on Mourinho. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) “He is a very passionate coach, a coach who is always thinking about how to win,”  he added. Elaborating on the manager’s time at Real Madrid now, the Manchester United legend said, “I hope that with Madrid I can achieve the club’s goals: the Champions League, the League and the Cup.” “I recently had the opportunity to be at the Bernabéu supporting him because the truth is that I admire him a lot as a person and as a coach. I hope it goes well.” He did, however, admit that he did not get a chance to catch up with the Special One in recent times, saying, “Regarding the second question, the truth is that I have not yet had the opportunity to talk to the mister again. I hope to visit you soon. The truth is that I would like to see him again.” Finally, he was asked about the Ballon d’Or race and who he has as his favourite. “Mbappe, Lamine, Kvaratskhelia, and Vinicius. And, personally, I hope Pacho can fight him. He is nominated and hopefully it will be a surprise. As an Ecuadorian, it would be a pride.” Source:  AS