Rejecting Sir Alex Ferguson's advances is something most footballers wouldn't dare to do - but Arsenal stalwart Tony Adams did it not once, but twice.
At the zenith of his career, Ferguson had set his sights on bringing the four-time Premier League winner to Manchester United. Yet, the iconic defender's loyalty to the Gunners was unwavering and he ended his distinguished time on the pitch with a remarkable 672 appearances for Arsenal.
Ferguson prided himself on luring top talents from rival clubs during his time at Old Trafford. Yet, he could not entice the England defensive titan.
While he may have retired with a bigger trophy cabinet had he sided with Ferguson, Adams does not regret a thing. In his autobiography 'SOBER: Football. My Story. My Life' Adams looked back on Ferguson's interest and said: "Manchester United twice tried to sign me but I turned them down both times because I was Arsenal through and through.
"The first time was after we had won the title in 1991. It was at an England get-together and Bryan Robson spoke to me about it, perhaps having been asked by Sir Alex Ferguson to have a quiet word.
"Tapping up? Of course, and anyone who doesn't think it goes on in the game informally all the time is being naive."
Arsene Wenger and Tony Adams holding the Premier League trophy
Adams won four Premier League titles (Image: Getty Images Sport Classic)
Having been born in Romford and brought up in Dagenham, before arriving at the Arsenal Academy in his early teens, Adams' heart was firmly rooted in London. His choice to stay put yielded an impressive haul of four league titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, and a European Cup Winners' Cup by the end of his tenure with Arsenal.
Adams also revealed some other insights into United's past transfer pursuits. He added: "The second United approach came in '96, in the autumn just five weeks after I had stopped drinking and in that period of uncertainty when Arsene Wenger was taking over from the sacked Bruce Rioch.
"I guess Sir Alex might also have wanted me because, as well as feeling he might be strengthening United, he might be weakening Arsenal."
Former Arsenal player Tony Adams speaks to Sky Sports prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground
Adams will have a firm eye on Arsenal's clash against Manchester United on the weekend (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
It took two decades before Ferguson finally prised away a major talent from Arsenal. In 2012, Robin van Persie left after an eight-year stint, which only yielded an FA Cup, to claim a Premier League title during his inaugural campaign with United.
Alexis Sanchez's 2018 move from Arsenal when Jose Mourinho was at Old Trafford didn't bring the same success. Adams will be keeping an eye on the Gunners tomorrow, when they travel to Old Trafford, the stadium he could have played in every week had he not been so loyal.
Arteta's side will arrive with swagger and confidence having travelled to the Netherlands and destroyed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the first-leg of their last-16 Champions League clash.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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