The left-back had endured a difficult summer that year, with France's World Cup bid wrecked by a fall-out between coach Raymond Domenech and the players. And, soon after, he was also caught in a incredible tug of war between Spanish giants Real Madrid and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
He told the full story in the latest UTD Podcast, revealing Ferguson's amazing man-management skills and also the dramatic details of what happened after the failed transfer.
“In 2010, Real Madrid came with a massive offer,”
explained the United legend.
“I was [coming to the] end of my contract with United, and the boss said: ‘Patrice, you know, you can do whatever you want, but you won’t leave.