Del Piero admits Old Trafford overture

World Cup-winning striker Alessandro Del Piero has revealed he could have joined Manchester United in the summer.

The Juventus stalwart said he was approached by the club - who have recently signed veteran forward Henrik Larsson on loan - but decided against leaving the Turin club.

Del Piero, 32, told The Sun: "It's all true. I could have been a Red Devil. Manchester United representatives contacted me in August."

But after winning the game's biggest tournament with Italy in the summer, he chose not to leave his long-term employers.

"At first I was flattered, but I never really thought of leaving Juventus. I've been playing 13 years in this club and I want to finish my career here.

"I'm sure Alex Ferguson understood my decision."