Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIn 1996, Youri Djorkaeff had established himself as one of European footballs best midfielders.After being a pivotal part of Paris Saint-Germains UEFA Cup Winners Cup victory, he had a decision to make as two of his big-name European suitors battled for his transfer.Over in Spain, Barcelona were one of the continents best sides, with revolutionary boss Johan Cruyff keen to add the France international to his all-star squad. However, one conversation would change everything.Djorkaeff on chosing Inter over CruyffFor Djorkaeff, the chance to work with his boyhood hero Cruyff almost proved to be too much to turn down.Johan Cruyff was my idol, Djorkaeff tells FourFourTwo. I had posters of him on my bedroom wall. Its rare to be a legend both as a player and as a coach, but he was. You may like I have no regrets about turning down Liverpool and Manchester United. I needed that Bolton experience in my life Youri Djorkaeff on his 2002 Bolton move It wouldnt be fair to compare Kevin Nolan with Zinedine Zidane but maybe he was a better warrior Youri Djorkaeff on two of his very different former team-mates Ronaldo was the best in the world. Even if you ask Zinedine Zidane, Im sure hed say the same Youri Djorkaeff on what it was like to line up alongside two legends As Barca stepped up their interest, Djorkaeffs dream of playing under the icon was coming closer to fruition.Barcelona called my father and said Johan wanted me, then I spoke with him myself, he continues. Just imagine playing for Cruyffs Bara, my biggest reference.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.He even explained how he wanted me to play, just behind Ronaldo. Everything was ready for me to sign.However, a phone call followed that changed the path of Djorkaeffs career.Then Cruyff called. He knew my main reason for joining was him, and admitted he was having problems with the club president and might not stay.I was sad because Id been excited about playing under him, he admits, before his attention turned to another European giant. But I was already in contact with Inter.They pushed hard, from the sporting side to the finances, and I was fascinated by San Siro and the clubs history. The chairman Massimo Moratti invited us to his fathers house before we made our decision, and he convinced me.Moratti became like family I had two children in Milan, and he always came to the hospital to make sure everything had gone well.TOPICSInterWorld CupJoe MewisSocial Links NavigationFor more than a decade, Joe Mewis has worked in football journalism as a reporter and editor. Mewis has had stints at Mirror Football and LeedsLive among others and worked at FourFourTwo throughout Euro 2024, reporting on the tournament. In addition to his journalist work, Mewis is also the author of four football history books that include times on Leeds United and the England national team. Now working as a digital marketing coordinator at Harrogate Town, too, Mewis counts some of his best career moments as being in the iconic Spygate press conference under Marcelo Bielsa and seeing his beloved Leeds lift the Championship trophy during lockdown.With contributions fromDani Gil
