Sir Alex Ferguson asked me to walk out with the Manchester United team for the FA Cup final against Chelsea I was 12 and I wanted to do it, but I said no' Joe Cole speaks to FourFourTwo

"Joe Cole Joe Cole was one of the most sought-after players in the country during his childhood and arguably the greatest manager of all time had a cunning plan to try to sign him for Manchester United. Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, West Ham United and Millwall were all among the clubs who asked Cole to train with them, having been impressed by the young Londoner's potential."

"Cole grew up as a Chelsea fan in 1994, the Blues progressed to the FA Cup final for the first time in 24 years, where they would play Manchester United. Still only 12, Cole did not have a ticket for the game, so Ferguson arranged to speak to the youngster over the phone, and offered him an opportunity that seemed impossible to refuse."

Joe Cole emerged as one of the country's most sought-after young players, attracting training invitations from Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, West Ham United and Millwall. Manchester United pursued him strongly, with Sir Alex Ferguson personally intervening to try to secure the youngster. At age 12 during the 1994 FA Cup final, Cole was offered the chance to walk out at Wembley with Manchester United. Cole had already decided to sign for West Ham, and following his father's advice not to mislead others, he declined Ferguson's invitation.

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