{"id":20342,"date":"2026-01-14T16:22:39","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T16:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/14\/sir-alex-ferguson-still-hasnt-forgiven-star-player-for-his-infamous-refusal-to-join-man-united\/"},"modified":"2026-01-14T16:22:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T16:22:39","slug":"sir-alex-ferguson-still-hasnt-forgiven-star-player-for-his-infamous-refusal-to-join-man-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eplvip.com\/index.php\/2026\/01\/14\/sir-alex-ferguson-still-hasnt-forgiven-star-player-for-his-infamous-refusal-to-join-man-united\/","title":{"rendered":"Sir Alex Ferguson ‘still hasn’t forgiven’ star player for his infamous refusal to join Man United"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Former Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel, infamous for being involved in the dramatic transfer drama between Man United and Chelsea 20 years ago, believes Sir Alex Ferguson still holds a grudge.<\/h2>\n
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January 14, 2026, 10:00<\/span>Updated January 14, 2026 11:33<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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John Obi Mikel doesn’t think Sir Alex Ferguson will fully forgive him after one of football’s greatest transfers.<\/p>\n
Chelsea legend Mikel famously made a last-minute U-turn and brushed off Manchester United manager Fergie to move to Stamford Bridge instead.<\/p>\n
Mikel joined up with Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and went on to enjoy an illustrious 11-year career. That’s the inspiration for a fun new ad for Google Pixel.<\/p>\n
Even 20 years later, Mikel says Fergie still brings it up every time they meet. Mikel plays various gags in the hilarious ad, including ignoring a call from Fergie after seeing a note to call Jose.<\/p>\n
Mikel said: “Like you said, no one will say no to Fergie! You will never forgive a criminal! I met him a few times and he said, ‘Oh, yes, I forgive you.'”<\/p>\n
read more: Manchester United miss out on \u00a341m target again as ‘agreement has been reached’ with Scott McTominay’s backing<\/span><\/span>read more: Michael Carrick’s harsh treatment of Bruno Fernandes and his ‘closest Manchester United friend’ says a lot<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
“But I think we both know he’ll never forgive! Every time I see him, he says to me, ‘That’s the one who ran away.'”<\/p>\n
“If every player has the opportunity to choose, don’t be afraid to go into the unknown. There may be something better out there. Don’t be afraid to make big decisions.”<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople often say to me, \u2018Do you have any regrets?\u2019 I think they think that if they went to Manchester United they could have won more trophies and had the pleasure of playing for Sir Alex Ferguson.<\/p>\n
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John Obi Mikel reflects on his failed transfer to Manchester United (Image: )<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Was John Obi Mikel a good signing for Man United? Share your thoughts in the comments section below<\/p>\n
“But I have never regretted it. Turning down Manchester United and going to Chelsea was a club in transition, trying to find a way to win, establish a new direction for the whole club and make history.”<\/p>\n
“That’s why I went to Chelsea to be myself and make my own history at Chelsea. This was a great opportunity for me.<\/p>\n
“For me, making that change and making that switch was really important in my life. It was a pivotal point in my career and making that switch was really great for me. So it was a lot of fun to do this ad.”<\/p>\n
Fans can follow in John Obi Mikel’s footsteps and claim up to \u00a3300 extra when they trade in their old phone with #TransfertoPixel this January. Visit Google Store for more information: Pixel 10 smartphones<\/p>\n
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.<\/p>\n
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![\"John](\"https:\/\/i2-prod.mirror.co.uk\/article36544970.ece\/ALTERNATES\/s1200e\/0_Mikel-Los-Res-1.png\")
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