'I walked out of a medical with Man City to join Arsenal instead from Man Utd'

Mikael Silvestre has shared a remarkable story about how he abandoned a medical at Manchester City to sign for Arsenal instead.

The former Manchester United defender, who won the Champions League, FA Cup, and four Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, came close to making a sensational move to City before Arsène Wenger intervened.

In 2008, after a decorated nine-year stint with United, Silvestre found himself at a crossroads.

The Red Devils had just been crowned European champions, and the full-back was poised to join City for a nominal fee. However, Wenger’s timely intervention changed everything.

Speaking to Joe Hart on beIN Sports, Silvestre recalled: “Did you know we could’ve been team-mates? In 2008, oh my god. It’s a funny story. I was doing a medical [at City], but halfway through, I got a call from Arsène Wenger.

"I had to call Mark Hughes and say, ‘Look, I have this option to go.’ And he said, in my shoes, he would’ve done the same.

“In the middle of the medical, I left to [go to] London. Since then, they only do the medical in one part. So funny.”

Silvestre joined United from Inter Milan in 1999, shortly after the club’s iconic treble-winning season.

At the time, Liverpool’s Gerard Houllier was reportedly eager to sign him, but the Frenchman chose United instead, a decision that led to a trophy-laden career under Sir Alex Ferguson.

During his time at Old Trafford, Silvestre made 361 appearances, earning seven major honors and becoming a key part of the team’s success. He also represented France 40 times and was a runner-up in the 2006 World Cup.

While many United fans may not have been thrilled with Silvestre’s move to Arsenal, the fallout would have been far worse had he joined Manchester City.

Transfers between the two Manchester clubs, especially involving senior players, are exceedingly rare, making his near-move to the Etihad even more controversial.

Instead, Silvestre spent two seasons at Arsenal, where he made 43 appearances before leaving for Werder Bremen on a free transfer.

Reflecting on his career, Silvestre’s detour to Arsenal spared him from becoming a figure of contention among United’s fanbase.

After his time in the Premier League, Silvestre’s career took him to Germany and later to India, where he retired in 2014.

His story remains a fascinating “what-if” moment in football history, highlighting how one phone call can alter the course of a career—and avoid igniting the ire of fans on both sides of Manchester.