Ashley Williams has revealed the blunt response he got from Robin van Persie after apologising for infamously kicking the ball at the Manchester United hero's head.
During a Premier League clash between the Red Devils and Swansea in 2012, the Welsh defender launched his clearance into the back of Van Persie's head after the United player was tripped near the box.
A furious row broke out with both players booked by referee Michael Oliver before Sir Alex Ferguson accused Williams by saying he "could have killed" the Dutch striker.
Although Williams, 39, insisted at the time that the incident was "much ado about nothing" he has since confessed to meaning to kick the ball at Van Persie, for which he apologised at their next encounter.
"I knew I was out of order, I didn't really mean it," he told the Stretford Paddock podcast. "Yeah [I did it deliberately]. I've said to so many times, the ball just rolled, his head was there and it was like...
"I had no issue with him in the game, no issue before. I thought he was a great player, not like someone I didn't like - and he doesn't give you out.
"I didn't mean to hit his head but I was surprised when I hit it. Then I was like, oh s*** I've hit his head. He's fuming. I was like whatever, it caused a big thing.
"Next time I played them the ball was down, I was [to Van Persie] like, 'Oh sorry about that before, I didn't mean it'. He's like, 'f*** off'. I'd probably react the same."
Many United fans remain irked by the incident today with Van Persie refusing to shake Williams' hand at the final whistle, but it was Ferguson's post-match tirade which arguably made the most headlines.
"He should be banned for a long time because that was the most dangerous thing I've seen on a football field for many years," stated the furious Scot.
"It was absolutely deliberate. The whistle has gone, the game has stopped and he has done that right in front of the referee, he could have killed the lad. It was a disgraceful act."
