Andy Cole admits he still regrets leaving Manchester United.

Cole spoke candidly about the circumstances which prompted his departure and revealed the role Sir Alex Ferguson played in trying to keep him at United.

"When I left the club, I wanted to play more games and I saw the manager numerous times," Cole told manutd.com. "He told me that I didn't have to go, he didn't want me to go, I could have stayed for as long as I could and I would get my games. But I was trying to force myself into the World Cup squad.

"In the end, he just said 'Okay, I understand and I know what you are like, I will let you go'. The crazy thing is that he sold me for £7million, which is more than what he paid for me. He got me for £6m and sold me for £7m. So I remember that last meeting with him like it was yesterday.

"I really enjoyed my time but I left far too early. That is my only regret. I could have stayed at the football club for a lot longer and, looking back, I wish I had."