The midfield maverick was the Premier League’s record buy when signing for Manchester United in 2001, a bona-fide Serie A superstar who had sparkled with Lazio and helped them win the Scudetto a year earlier.
Everybody was excited by the Argentinian’s arrival and he retains a special affection among the club’s support, even though he was unable to consistently show his best form when attempting to adapt to the league, and was sold to Chelsea a couple of years later.
The feeling is clearly mutual, as a very special visitor to Old Trafford recently confirmed to ManUtd.