Sheva reveals United and Barca snub

Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko claims he turned down the chance to join both Barcelona and Manchester United 11 years ago in favour of a move to AC Milan.

Shevchenko spent seven years with the Rossoneri from 1999 to 2006 before an unsuccessful stint at Chelsea which saw him loaned back to the Rossoneri last term and ended when he rejoined his first club Dynamo Kiev over the summer.

But the 33-year-old, who missed a first-half penalty in Ukraine’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over England on Saturday, has revealed it could easily all have been different.

He told Focus magazine: “I had the opportunity to play for Barca and Manchester United when I was 22, but I chose Milan.

“And the club were successful, winning everything possible – including the Champions League – and I won the Ballon d’Or. I’m proud of my career.

“Nothing lasts forever. I’m 33 and I don’t know how long I’ll be fit enough to play. But for the final few years of my career I want to be on the pitch where I started my career. “