‘I was a total flop at Man Utd after record transfer – I regret leaving for Chelsea’
Juan Sebastian Veron, who had a challenging period at Manchester United after a high-profile move from Italy, now expresses regret over leaving Old Trafford for Chelsea.
The Argentine midfielder, once considered among the world’s top midfielders, joined United for a significant £28 million fee from Lazio in 2001.
Veron had earned acclaim through successful stints with Sampdoria, Parma, and Lazio after his move from Boca Juniors to Europe.
Despite high expectations for the formidable midfielder, Veron faced substantial disappointment, enduring only a two-year tenure at Old Trafford before being transferred to Chelsea for a reduced £15 million fee.
Looking back more than two decades later, the now 48-year-old Veron acknowledges that leaving United was a decision he wishes he hadn’t made.
In an interview with FourFourTwo, Veron stated, “I felt that going to Chelsea could have been a good chance for me to get a longer sequence of matches, but I shouldn’t have gone there.”
He clarified that his sentiment is not directed at Chelsea, acknowledging the excitement of a club wanting to sign a player and investing in their potential.
Reflecting on his time in London, Veron admitted it was more challenging for him compared to Manchester, given his background in La Plata, a relatively small city.
Expressing a wish to have extended his stay at United, Veron believes he could have approached things differently if given the opportunity.
