West Ham United Football Club News

• Nickname:Hammers
• Founded:1895
• Manager:Sam Allardyce

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Mascherano has no regrets

05 Sep 2006 - 09:51:52

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West Ham United midfielder Javier Mascherano has admitted the he decided not to sign for Manchester United after speaking to Juan Sebastian Veron about his bad experience at Old Trafford.

Mascherano and fellow Argentinian Carlos Tevez completed shock moves to Upton Park last Thursday but, since the transfers were sealed, Manchester United chief executive David Gill has claimed that his club turned down the chance to sign the duo.

However, Mascherano said: "Playing in England is a great opportunity and it is very important that I have been able to play with my great friend Tevez.

"Manchester United asked some questions about me, but in the key moment, they were not decisive.

"I have spoken with Veron and he told me that Ferguson does not have much belief in Argentinian players, so I was reluctant. I know Gabriel Heinze is there, but Veron has some different stories.

"For me to sign for West Ham United is not a negative part of my career, it is a historical club and this season we will play in the UEFA Cup, which will be exciting."

Veron moved to United from Lazio in a £28million deal five years ago but made only 51 Premiership appearances for the club in an ill-fated two years at Old Trafford before moving to Chelsea.