Carlos Tevez has opened up about one of football’s most intriguing transfer scenarios, revealing that he had signed a contract to join Real Madrid before the deal unexpectedly unraveled.
The former Argentina international had a stellar career with teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, and Juventus.
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Tevez revealed that he was on the verge of adding Real Madrid to his list of clubs played for at one time.
In an honest interview reported by Mundo Deportivo, he discussed how far negotiations had advanced.
He mentioned that everything had been finalized and was just waiting for a formal announcement when unexpected events derailed the plan.
Tevez was poised to join Real Madrid
While many recall Tevez’s contentious move from Manchester United to Manchester City, few know that he was very close to signing with Real Madrid around the same time.
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The Argentine admitted that his potential move to Santiago Bernabeu was more than just a distant possibility; discussions had reached an advanced stage.
Tevez nearly transferred to Barcelona. (Photo by Amilcar Orfali/Getty Images)
“I came very close to signing when I moved from United to City. It’s an incredible story – a long one,” he said.
Tevez elaborated on how advanced the discussions were behind the scenes, noting:
“We had signed the contract, and it was kept with a solicitor – can you imagine? I even spoke to the president, and he said to me: ‘Welcome to the White House’.”
“I had a conversation with Calderon (Ramon, the then-president) at three in the morning. We finalized everything with Mijatovic (Pedja, the sporting director at the time).”
The unmaterialized agreement
Tevez stated that the transfer was kept under wraps as all parties agreed to wait before making it public.
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The striker explained that the signed contract was with a notary, expected to be announced after the season.
Carlos Tevez is currently a football coach. (Photo by Hernan Cortez/Getty Images)
“We weren’t able to say anything. We signed the contract and left it with the notary for presentation after the season.”
Everything seemed set for a successful conclusion.
However, football transfers can often be swayed by off-field events, and in this instance, the political climate at Real Madrid shifted the course of events.
Tevez noted that the departure of the club president fundamentally disrupted the agreement that had been established.
The changes within the club’s management led to the unraveling of what appeared to be a done deal.
“They ousted Calderón… and with him went the contract, and everybody else,” he concluded.
Source: Mundo Deportivo