Wednesday, July 3

Home > Football > Premier League > Manchester United > News

Emmanuel Petit says that he regrets moving to Barcelona from Arsenal and picking Chelsea over Manchester United on his return to England.

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has admitted that he regrets leaving the Gunners and signing for Chelsea instead of Manchester United.

Petit won the Premier League and FA Cup under Arsene Wenger before moving to Barcelona in 2000. One year later though, disillusioned with life in Spain, Petit returned to London after completing a move to Chelsea.

"I made a lifestyle choice to the detriment of the sporting choice," the 44-year-old told football365.fr. "And on the rare occasions that I've made that choice, I've got it wrong. It was the same thing when I left Barcelona to go back to Chelsea.

"I gave priority to the social life in London when [Sir Alex] Ferguson expected me to sign for Manchester United.

"My wife didn't want to go to Manchester. I'm really annoyed at myself, I should have insisted upon my decision."

Petit moved with Marc Overmars to Barca in a deal thought to be worth £32m.

ID:246902: cacheID:246902:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2194:

Restore Data

1

Spain vs. Germany - prediction, team news, lineups

2

Not giving up: Arsenal 'make improved offer' to 32-goal striker

3

Decision imminent: Man United 'to make decision' on 27-year-old's future

4

Three Ligue 1 players who could join Premier League clubs this summer

5

Absolute bargain: Man United 'set' to sign De Ligt for cut-price fee

6

Four new arrivals? Man United chief Ashworth 'draws up' summer shortlist

7

From Bayern to the Bridge? Chelsea 'discussing' move for new attacker

8

Transfer rumours: Summerville to PSG, Wieffer to Brighton, Greaves to Ipswich

9

Two major exits: Barcelona 'hatch' Nico Williams transfer plan

10

Austria vs. Turkey - prediction, team news, lineups