Pavel Nedved regrets never playing for Manchester United

Legendary Czech midfielder Pavel Nedved enjoyed a stellar playing career, turning out for Dukla Prague, Sparta Prague, Lazio and Juventus.

He also amassed 91 caps for the Czech Rebublic, won Serie A three times and was the Ballon d’Or recipient in 2003.

But, in an interview with Czexch newspaper Idnes, the now 44-year-old Nedved admitted he does harbour one regret from his playing days.

"A regret? That I never played for Manchester United. I'd have liked that. The transfer was never on the table though, there was only Chelsea [interested in me].

"I liked the generation of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, whom I admired. I was a little bit jealous of Karel Poborsky, who played in Manchester and experienced great matches. I know he still feels that love."

Nedved also admitted to being a big admirer of a current United player, too. Of all the great footballers he played alongside -- such as Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Nesta — he rates Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the best.

"In terms of team-mates, I've had a lot and I don't want to offend anyone," he said. "If I had to pick one [as the best] though, I'd say Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He's a striker who can cut through defences. He has scary power and height, as well as excellent technique."

It would have been a joy to see Nedved line up in the United midfield at his peak. Apparently, had Sir Alex Ferguson called, the golden-haired maestro would have been very intersted moving to Manchester.