Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre admits he was on his way to Manchester City before making a move to Arsenal in 2008.

Silvestre was halfway through a medical at Manchester City when his mobile phone flashed into life.

Arsene Wenger was the name on the screen and he quickly had a decision to make.

"I took the call," the Frenchman told the Daily Mail.

"Arsene wanted me and that was that - but then I had to tell (then City manager) Mark Hughes.

"He took it so well.

"I have total respect for him - he said that he could understand and that if it didn't work out I could come back to City."