Mart Poom: Alex Ferguson tried to sign me twice
Mart Poom, Estonia's most successful footballer to date, said the then Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson tried to sign him twice during his career in England.
The retired Estonian goalkeeper told British media that Ferguson attempted to bring him to Manchester United, one of England's most successful clubs at the time, as a second goalkeeper, Delfi reported.
Poom spent 15 years in England, playing for Portsmouth (1994-1997), Derby County (1997-2003), Sunderland (2002-2003 loan, 2003-2006 permanent), Arsenal (2005-2006 loan, 2006-2007 permanent) and Watford (2007-2009).
Poom said he hopes England will go for a weaker side in the EURO 2016 qualifying match on Friday in London, giving Estonia a glimmer of hope.
Estonia has to beat England tonight, and Switzerland at home three days later, to have any hope of qualifying, or at least making it to the play-off round. England has won all of its eight games so far and has already qualified.
England beat Estonia a year ago in Tallinn thanks to a lone Wayne Rooney goal.
Editor: J.M. Laats