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ALAN SMITH has lifted the lid on how he snubbed a move to Manchester United after speaking to Sir Alex Ferguson on the phone.
The Arsenal legend has recalled the time he turned down the chance of joining the Red Devils in favour of the Gunners in 1987.
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Plying his trade at Leicester at the time, the ex-England international has claimed not even the lure of playing under the Scotsman could sway his decision to sign for Arsenal.
Speaking of his playing days in his new book Heads Up: My Life Story, the 55-year-old has spoken of how Ferguson wanted him to delay his exit away from the Foxes.
He said: "Ferguson had only been at United for a couple of months after inheriting an ill-disciplined team floundering at the foot of the First Division.
“He was in the very early stages of trying to rebuild the club from top to bottom and that principally meant overturning the playing staff to construct a side in his image.
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"Hello?' I said, nervously picking up the phone.
“’Yes, hello, Alan. Alex Ferguson here.'
“I could tell right away from those broad Glaswegian tones that this wasn't a prank call from one of my Leicester team-mates.
“It was indeed Ferguson. And he had a proposition.
"Alan,' he continued, 'I know Arsenal are interested but I'd like you to wait till the end of the season. I want you to sign for Manchester United.'
“The Gunners wanted to sign me sooner rather than later, before the transfer market closed in March.
“And now it turned out United preferred the summer when, with me out of contract at Leicester, they might not have to pay quite so much money.
“In fairness, Ferguson's revelation should have made me think. You don't turn down a club of that stature lightly, even if they are suffering at that particular time.
“Sure to recover eventually, they may never come knocking again. But I was unequivocal that night talking to their manager.
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“’I’m sorry, Mr Ferguson, but I've already made up my mind. I'm going to sign for Arsenal. I want to sign for Arsenal.'
“The conversation after that didn't last long. 'OK, son, if you've made up your mind. No problem. I wish you good luck.’”
Smith – who also revealed he rejected an approach from Chelsea that same window – would go on to become a cult hero in North London.
He picked up two First Division titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup and scored the winning goal in the 1994 European Cup Winners' Cup.
The Sky Sports pundit banged in 115 goals in 347 appearances for the club, where he was ranked as the 27th greatest Gunner to don the famous red jersey.
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