I posted it at the time.
We were approached by HIS people.
Out of respect, we listened to their demands. We would do this with any top player.
It was decided early on he wasn't for us. His wage demands to start with. Second was his age.
At no point was it ever on.
In the mean time, his people let slip a rumour he was signing for us. GPC contacted him and the rest is history.
I'm not sure about Pep saying we tried so hard to sign him. Maybe it was just a friendly thing to say to keep on good terms with him. Nothing to do with City etc.
Still don't get the rags thing about him. "One of our own"
He spent most of career (and success) elsewhere.
He went on strike to force a move away.
Comes back as a returning son. Even though he pimped himself to us.
Demands the clubs highest wage.
Tries to wreck the club again once he wasn't getting his way.
Some legend this...