‘I only joined Chelsea because of my wife – it was a huge mistake and I regret saying yes’
A former Chelsea player has revealed that he only signed for the Blues to please his wife, a decision he massively regrets. Emmanuel Petit is best known for his time at Arsenal, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup during a three-year spell. He went on to join Barcelona FC, but a string of injuries made it difficult for him to settle in Spain.
Petit was linked with a return to England at the end of his first season at Barcelona and there was no shortage of interest. Manchester United expressed a desire to sign him, while Arsenal got in touch over the possibility of a return to north London. He ended up moving to a different area of the city, though, with Chelsea winning the race for his services.
It was a largely disappointing first season, with Chelsea finishing sixth in the Premier League and losing to Arsenal in the FA Cup final. In his sophomore campaign, Petit formed a strong midfield partnership with Frank Lampard as the Blues secured Champions League qualification.
The injuries returned in his final season at Stamford Bridge, meaning Petit spent the vast majority of it on the sidelines. After leaving the club the following summer, he turned down the chance to sign for Bolton Wanderers before announcing his retirement.
Two years ago, Petit told FourFour Two that he only signed for Chelsea because his wife wanted to live in London. He admitted that he should have joined United, having been encouraged by his conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I had many clubs interested in taking me back to England,” said Petit. “Arsenal approach edge me but so did Manchester United.
“I spoke to Arsene. He really wanted me back, but I was honest with him. I said: ‘I appreciate it and it’s very tempting, but I didn’t feel that you wanted me to stay when I signed for Barcelona a year ago’.
“It’s like divorcing somebody. When you don’t feel desired by them, what’s the point of going back? I should have gone to Manchester United, because Sir Alex Ferguson called me twice.
“We had a very good conversation and it was tempting, but once again I listened to my wife. She wanted to go back to London. She didn’t want to live in Manchester, so I made the same mistake twice in one year.”
Petit was married to actress Agathe de La Fontaine at the time, with the couple tying the knot in 2000. Their relationship was short-lived, though. They divorced in 2002 before Petit found love again with fashion model Maria Servello.