Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has revealed how he nearly joined Manchester United before his switch to the North East. The right-back signed for Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January, but he could have made a move to Manchester just six months before.
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Trippier was asked if the Red Devils were interested in signing him last summer. “Yes they were," he said.
"There were a couple of clubs. Me and the manager (Diego Simeone) had a chat at the start of the season and agreed if an opportunity came up I might go.
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“At the start of the season I had a couple of family problems. To be fair they didn’t want to come back. It didn’t happen, so I carried on. I am not one to throw my toys out of the pram when it didn’t happen.
"I didn’t have to leave Madrid. I want to make that clear. I loved it there and it was a successful time. I had a few options as well. But for my family it was important."
The 31-year-old joined Newcastle on a two-and-a-half year deal for a fee in the region of £12 million. Tripper scored two goals in seven appearances, as he played a key role in the Magpies' climb up the Premier League table, and he says joining the club was a 'good decision'.
“The Newcastle deal happened really quickly," said Trippier. "The manager (Eddie Howe) took over, who I knew well and it was a good decision. This place is a football city and people are obsessed with their club.”
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