'I was confused by his accent' - Robert Lewandowski called Sir Alex Ferguson to discuss transfer as striker explains why he didn't join Man Utd

In an interview with The Times, Lewandowski revealed he came close to signing for English clubs on two occasions during his career. The first was in 2010, when he met then-Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce but ultimately chose Borussia Dortmund instead. The second came when legendary United boss Ferguson personally called him, with the Red Devils considering him their top target ahead of Robin van Persie, though the club eventually settled on the Dutchman.

Lewandowski explained his first conversation with Ferguson was when he called the Scot back after a preseason game. 

“I remember it was half-time in a friendly game for Dortmund in pre-season. I called Ferguson back," he said. "When he started to talk to me, I was so confused by the accent. I had to concentrate so hard to understand. I was like: ‘Yeah of course, of course’, pretending I understood everything but I didn’t understand anything.”

And even though he agreed to a move to United he explains why the move did not materialise: “I said yes and I was close. But the president of Dortmund said they could not sell me. It wasn’t the right moment.”

At 37, Robert Lewandowski has enjoyed a storied career with prestigious clubs such as Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Regarded as one of the deadliest finishers of the modern era, he finished second only to Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe in the race for La Liga's top scorer award last season.

Lewandowski will aim to regain full fitness, compete for the Pichichi Trophy, and help Barcelona defend the La Liga title they reclaimed from Real Madrid last season.