Manchester United fans won’t be shocked to hear that Bebe wasn’t fully focused on the club after he joined in 2010 – but he has gone on to say he has no regrets.
The 33-year-old went on to make a name for himself in Spain where is now captain of La Liga side Rayo Vallecano. Sadly, he went down in Premier League history as one of United’s worst ever signings.
Bebe joined as an unknown entity for £7.4million (via The Guardian), which Sir Alex Ferguson admitted was a “gamble” following conversations with trusted agent Jorge Mendes. It was one that didn’t pay off, with the Portuguese winger making just seven senior appearances for United.
Reflecting on his time at Old Trafford, which ended in 2014, Bebe told ESPN how it was a step too far for his career.
“If I knew then what I know now, I’d have been [at United] for many more years,” Bebe said.
“I’d sleep more. I wouldn’t do so many crazy things. When I had a day off, I used to take a plane to Portugal. I’d look after myself more as a professional, look after my body, focus on football. I was there, but in my head, I was on holiday with my friends.”
Bebe can acknowledge that he should have worked harder in England, but he wouldn’t reverse the decision to leave Portugal aged 20.
“But I don’t regret it,” he added. “You have to think, I went from having nothing, in an orphanage, to a place with the biggest stars in the world. They were the best team around at that moment.
“I think it’s normal that a 20-year-old kid gets a bit lost. I didn’t have a father. I didn’t have my mother or my grandmother to say ‘No, don’t do that.’ It was me, and I did whatever I wanted.”
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