Seedorf reveals Lippi's Ronaldo promise convinced him to snub Manchester United

Clarence Seedorf has revealed that a single phone call from Marcello Lippi was all it took to end his planned move to Manchester United, with the Italian coach dangling the prospect of playing alongside Ronaldo R9 and Christian Vieri at Inter Milan.

Speaking with United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, the 50-year-old former playmaker said he had wanted to come to England “for a long time” and was “supposed to even play” for United. But when Lippi — who would go on to lead Italy to the 2006 World Cup — picked up the phone, Seedorf’s plans changed instantly.

“He called me. He said, ‘Uh, Clarence, you want to come and play behind Ronaldo R9, and Christian Vieri?’ I said, ‘Okay, let me just take my bags. I’m coming,’” Seedorf recalled. “Italy was a bit more familiar. Probably was the reason why I chose to go there as well.”

At the time, Seedorf had already established himself as one of Europe’s most accomplished midfielders during three seasons at Real Madrid, where he scored 20 goals and contributed 35 assists in 159 appearances, winning La Liga, two domestic cups and the Champions League.

His move to Inter Milan cost around £20 million, and while he did not add to his trophy haul at the San Siro, the detour to Inter ultimately set the stage for the most decorated chapter of his career. Seedorf crossed the city to join AC Milan, where he spent a decade making 432 appearances, scoring 62 goals and collecting nine major honours — including two Champions League titles, two Serie A crowns and two UEFA Super Cups.

After leaving Milan, Seedorf moved to Botafogo in Brazil, winning the league title with his final club before retiring in 2014 with 16 major honours across his career.