by Nia Griffiths

Manchester United’s midfielder, Daley Blind, has revealed that he almost signed for Arsenal.

The 25-year-old who signed for the Red Devils last season, played for Ajax from the age of eight, featuring in 143 games in total. However, as a teenager, what you may not know is that the Dutchman almost signed for us.

As well as almost becoming a Gunner, the defender also admitted that his favourite player growing up was Thierry Henry.

Speaking recently, Blind revealed, “I went to London and visited Arsenal’s training ground. I got to see all the facilities, and the staff explained the role they saw there for me.”

He continued, “Thierry Henry was a kind of idol to me. On the streets, I wanted to be him.”

Finally he added, “I sometimes wonder what would have happened if I’d joined them [Arsenal]. But I’m proud of what I achieved at Ajax. I’m also very happy to be at Manchester United now. I think I made the right choices.”

Last season, Blind only played 29 games for United due to being sidelined with a knee injury from November until January.

I always find it curious when opposition players come out and reveal that they almost signed for us once. Obviously we have no way of telling what sort of player he’d be now if he had, or whether he’d even still be with us, but it’s interesting to think about.

The ‘what if‘s are endless.