Alan Smith once said he'd never play for Man United before a sensational multi-million pound move from bitter rivals Leeds.
Alan Smith has lived in Orlando, Florida for the last few years but he's in no danger of losing his strong West Yorkshire accent.
"I made that comment a good few years before leaving to join the club and I think it was naivety. When I said it, Leeds were flying and doing really well," Smith said, speaking about Premier League Betting with BoyleSports. "When I spoke to Sir Alex, there was no real trepidation about the move for me," Smith added. "Unfortunately, the club that I grew up playing for since I was 10 years old were going through very difficult times and financially as well.
"There was a huge Scottish influence with Sir Alex at the club and we had that at Leeds and a big British influence. I knew the transition would be easy for me in terms of there wouldn’t be much change. "The older players all respected I wanted to learn from them and try to improve myself to get to their level."
"I was just someone who was willing to play that role, to try to do it to the best of my ability. I was never overawed by it because I thought it was a compliment, thinking that I'd never be as good as him but that I could fill in. "I loved football from when I first started playing and for me and Roy, it was interesting because we’d go out and we would drink pots of tea and just chat about football. He’d tell me about all of his experiences previously.
In February 2006, during United’s 1-0 defeat by Liverpool in the FA Cup at Anfield, Smith suffered a double leg break and a dislocated ankle when attempting to block a free-kick from John Arne Riise. "It was a period of time when people like that kept you so motivated. There were no shortcuts taken in my recovery and I was so fortunate to be at a club that didn't rush me back, which I still appreciate."
Coming back from such a horrific injury was never going to be easy and Smith started for the first time in 14 months in the quarter-finals of the Champions League game against Roma in April 2007, a night which he remembers fondly.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'F*** him, I'm signing' - Keane's furious meeting with Man United greatFormer Manchester United captain Roy Keane's acrimonious departure from the Premier League side led to offers from some of Europe's top sides
Read more »
Man United name 40-man Youth League squad including Mainoo and GoreMan United kick off their Champions League campaign on Wednesday and Travis Binnion's under-19s have European commitments of their own.
Read more »
Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 3 - 22 years ago today and a Sky Sports classic22 years ago today and a Sky Sports classic - Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 3.
Read more »
Sancho needs to follow Onana example after Ten Hag row at Man UnitedTen Hag and Onana didn't see eye to eye during their closing weeks at Ajax but they are reunited at Man United
Read more »
Mason Greenwood to be included in EA Sports FC 24 after Getafe transfer from Man UnitedMason Greenwood is set to be reinstated by EA Sports for their upcoming game as he continues his return to football. Greenwood has been exiled from the popular video game franchise since he was rem…
Read more »
Man United news: Glazers told to 'get out' by punditFootball Insider has been told by Frank McAvennie that the Man United fans are the only ones who can convince the Glazers to sell up.
Read more »