Emmanuel Petit has explained that Claudio Ranieri charmed him into joining Chelsea back in 2001.

Following his solitary season at Barcelona, Petit was being courted by a host of clubs in England and the midfielder eventually decided to head to Stamford Bridge, despite his previous allegiance to London rivals Arsenal.

Petit has now gone on to reveal that the duo of Manchester United and the Gunners were both very keen on securing his services but he decided to move to Chelsea instead as he was charmed into the move by then Blues' boss Ranieri.

Petit told SFR Sport: "That's when Sir Alex Ferguson called me, twice, Arsène (Wenger) called me as well.

"Claudio Ranieri actually came to see me, and ate with me at my house. I was charmed by him, what he had to say, and that's why I wanted to sign for Chelsea.

"Remember, at the time, there was Giggs, Scholes, Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham, Beckham… They had an incredible team. (Jaap) Stam at centre-back. (Peter) Schmeichel in goal."