Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand has revealed he "came close" to securing a move to Barcelona while at the peak of his powers at Old Trafford.
The star central defender was a rock in the Red Devils defence during a trophy-laden 12-year career in Manchester - lifting the Premier League on six occasions and clinching a Champions League title.
But Ferdinand's stint at the Theatre of Dreams was nearly cut short when Barcelona and Frank Rijkaard came calling during the club's European triumph in 2008.
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When asked about his links to Barcelona on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: "It came close.