Blog

Leeds United legend Lucas Radebe has revealed how he turned down the chance to join Manchester United to stay at Leeds United.

Radebe spent the first five years of his career with South African heavyweights Kaizer Chiefs, where he made a remarkable transition from goalkeeper to central midfielder and eventually to centre-back.

He first reached the Premier League in 1994, but made just 28 appearances during his first two seasons at Elland Road. Radebe finally established himself at the heart of the defense in the 1996/97 season.

READ MORE: Stuart Dallas’ ‘outside opportunity’ as injury update provided on Leeds United defender

The former South African international became a club legend, racking up 256 total appearances for Leeds. And Radebe rewarded Leeds supporters for their unwavering support of him by promising his future to the club amid interest from fierce rivals Man United.

“When Manchester United came looking for me, I turned down the move and stayed at Leeds United, which was big,” Radebe told SuperSport (via Sports Brief).

And he added: “I think the offer came to the club, they called me, the coach called me and said that there was an offer from Manchester United and that they want to accept it.

“I told him, no thanks, I was happy where I was in Leeds and this is the club that introduced me to the Premier League and people looked after me and that was me. It’s done.

“It was not the only club, there was an offer from Roma that I rejected. I knew there was something for me in Leeds. I wanted to grow and I wanted to achieve with the club.”

READ NEXT: