Jeremy Menez has revealed he turned down Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson at the age of 16, just months after stealing a pizza delivery driver's scooter.
The former France international, who won two league titles with PSG, played for Monaco, Roma, PSG, AC Milan and Bordeaux during his career. The 39-year-old, who made 24 appearances for France, said he could have joined United during the club's prime under Ferguson but chose to turn them down.
Ferguson came to Paris
In an interview with Gazzetta Dello Sport, the winger, who finished his playing career two years ago after a stint with Bari in Italy, said: “After the Under-17 European Championship I won with France, Ferguson came to Paris to talk to my father. But I didn't feel like going abroad; it was too soon. So, in 2004, I signed for Sochaux.”
That transfer window saw United refresh their side and sign notable youngsters including Wayne Rooney, Giuseppe Rossi and Gerard Pique. It was also the year they sold Nicky Butt, Diego Forlan and Eric Djemba-Djemba.
Stealing the scooter
Despite his on-pitch talent, Menez admitted to a crime committed a few months before the meeting with Ferguson. He said: “My personality limited me, I admit. I could have done so much more. I played without thinking, instinctively. I wanted to have fun with the ball, and that, perhaps, led me to struggle with anger management.
“The environment I grew up in certainly didn't help. I lived in the suburbs of Paris with my mum. I had a group of friends where you had to stand out, stand out in some way. Some of them ended up in prison. We got into a lot of trouble. Once we ordered a pizza and I stole the delivery guy's scooter.”
Career after United
Menez had a decent career, including a spell in Mexico where he won three trophies with Club America, scoring five goals in 18 appearances. He is now a pundit in France, covering Italy's top league, and serves as an ambassador for PSG.
