Leeds United boss snubbed chance to play for Manchester City.
Elland Road
Leeds United appointed Thomas Christiansen as manager yesterday, ending a lengthy managerial search with a big surprise.
Christiansen’s previous job was in charge of APOEL in Cyprus, while during his playing days he began his career at Barcelona.
As a striker he was unable to break into the team ahead of the likes of Romario and Hristo Stoichkov, and was forced to consider alternatives.
Nou Camp
Back in 1995 he almost joined Manchester City, but later told how watching them get hammered put him off.
Speaking to Catalan newspaper SPORT last year, Christiansen said: “It was in 1995; I trained with them. The first day I worked with Niall Quinn the Irish center forward, Irish, almost two meters above everyone else who played.
“I went to see them at Anfield and lost 6-0. I was convinced that this was not for me.”
Niall Quinn at Manchester City
Christiansen chose instead to sign with Real Oviedo, where he began to get regular football under his belt.
His playing career was a nomadic one, playing in four different countries, but the highs were high. He finished as the Bundesliga top scorer with Hannover in 2003, and earned two international caps for Spain.
Now he is hoping for similar successes with Leeds United as he makes his first steps into English football, 22 years since his original invitation.
Revie Stand, Elland Road
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