Ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit turned down Manchester United to join Chelsea after a plea from his then wife Agathe de La Fontaine back in 2001.

The Frenchman joined the Gunners in 1997 from Monaco, helping Arsene Wenger's side to immediate success when Arsenal won the 1998 Premier League title.

Just a few months later, Petit would go on to help France claim World Cup success too, making 1998 a year to remember for the midfielder.

Following his three impressive years at Highbury, Petit left Arsenal to sign for Catalan giants Barcelona for £7million.

The French ace only lasted one season in Spain, playing 38 games for Barcelona before moving back to England, where he joined Chelsea.

When weighing up his options for his next club back in 2001, Petit was being courted by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.

While he didn't much fancy returning to Arsenal, he was tempted to join Sir Alex Ferguson in Manchester.

However, despite good interactions with Ferguson, Petit opted to join Chelsea - due to his then wife, Agatha de La Fontaine's desire to live in London over Manchester.

"I had many clubs interested in taking me back to England [in 2001]," Petit told FourFourTwo.

"Arsenal approached me but so did Manchester United. I spoke to Arsene.

"He really wanted me back, but I was honest with him: I said, 'I appreciate it and it's very tempting, but I didn't feel that you wanted me to stay when I signed for Barcelona a year ago'.

"It's like divorcing somebody: when you don't feel desired by them, what's the point of going back?

"I should have gone to Manchester United, because Sir Alex Ferguson called me twice. We had a very good conversation and it was tempting, but once again I listened to my wife.

"She wanted to go back to London – she didn't want to live in Manchester – so I made the same mistake twice in one year."