I played for Manchester United and Arsenal, I love the Red Devils more, but I would join the Gunners if I had the chance now.

By premiernews On Feb 23, 2024

It is one of the Premier League's oldest rivalries and only a select few have bridged the gap.

But Mikael Silvestre is one of those who has played in both manchester united and Arsenal during his 12 years in the English top flight.

Silvestre played for United for nine years, where he won several trophies, including the Premier League and the Champions League.Credit: Getty

The Frenchman first arrived on these shores when Mr Alex Ferguson picked it up from Inter de Milan for £4 million in 1999, and went on to win the Champions League, FA Cup and five Premier League titles in a Red Devils shirt.

But after losing his place in the team, Silvestre traveled south to join compatriot Arsene Wenger at Arsenal in 2008.

While he was not a key player at the Emirates, his love for the Gunners did not subside and he has great memories at both clubs.

And Silvestre was speaking to talkSPORT's Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent on Thursday. Drive shows about his time on both sides of what was the most heated Premier League rivalry of its time.

When asked who he supported the most, Silvestre replied: “When you've traveled as much as I have, you still look back and support the clubs you played for.

“But, as you know, nine years at United is a long time in a career.

“If you asked me to choose, I would choose United more, but I had a great time at Arsenal.”

Later in the interview, Goldstein further pressured Silvestre to choose a club between United and Arsenal if he was still playing and wanted to win the Premier League.

Silvestre may have only played for Arsenal for two years, but right now I would choose them over United.Credit: Getty

Silvestre was a fan favorite at Old Trafford for many years before moving to Arsenal.Credit: Getty

The former France international responded: “I would go to Arsenal right now. I'm not a patient guy!”

When asked if he thought Arsenal would win the league before United, Silvestre's response was brief but direct: “Yes.”

Arsenal fan Darren Bent loves Bukayo Saka but insists the Gunners would have to swap the winger for French superstar Kylian Mbappe if given the chance.

Only a few players have played for both United and Arsenal, with Silvestre being one of the few in the Premier League era.

Alexis Sánchez might be the highest profile in recent memory, but Danny Welbeck, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Andy Cole and Robin van Persie are other big names who have worn both shirts with varying degrees of success.

But Silvestre's career was not limited to just the Premier League and after leaving Arsenal in 2010, he went on to play for Werder Bremen in Germany, Portland Timbers in the United States and Chennaiyin in India.

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