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It is one of the most unchartered roads in football and even less can say they have played for both successfully.

But Paul Ince is well-received by fans of both Manchester United and Liverpool, one of the biggest rivalries in world football, something that might come as a surprise considering he had options elsewhere.

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Ince (right) won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one League Cup and two Community Shields with legends including Eric CantonaCredit: Getty

The former midfielder is renowned as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League era - and before - having joined United in 1989.

But Sir Alex Ferguson told him Inter Milan came in for his services in 1995 and so he left for Italy.

However, two years later, a return to England forced his hand due to his young family and several clubs were knocking on the door - including Chelsea - but it was Liverpool where Ince ended up.

When asked why he joined Liverpool by United fan Andy Goldstein on talkSPORT Drive, Ince replied: "Well, why not?

"What people don't know is that United had first-offer on me so they could have taken me back if they wanted to and they didn't.

"I would have never gone from Manchester United to Liverpool or Liverpool to Manchester United because I know you just don't do that because of the rivalry but I came from Inter Milan, I went away for two years and came back.

"I love the north-west.

I knew all the players at Liverpool, Jamie Redknapp, David James, Robbie Fowler where I was with England, it was an easy fit.

"I also felt the Liverpool fans would accept me, which they did, they were unbelievable.

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Ince shocked many when he chose to join United's rivals Liverpool in 1997Credit: Getty

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Ince was making his return to England after two years with Inter

"If that means playing for Liverpool for two years, that is what I will do.

"I could have gone Chelsea but I felt comfortable in the north-west, I felt Liverpool had a chance of winning the Premier League.

Paul Ince reveals the 'cardinal sin' of joining Liverpool after playing for Manchester United in his career

"They just didn't have that mental side that Man United had.

"I saw an avenue where if I could give them a bit of experience from Manchester over six years of what it takes to win a title and how you conduct yourself, train properly, we might have a chance."

Ince won two Premier League titles and two FA Cups during his six years at United and is held in the highest esteemed by their fans, as well as his midfield partner Roy Keane.

While he did not win a trophy at Liverpool, he only played there for two years where he made 81 appearances but is still fondly remembered by those at Anfield.

After falling out with Gerard Houllier, Ince made the switch to Middlesbrough as he turned 31 for two years before another move to Wolves, where he became a key player.

With short spells at Swindon and Macclesfield, Ince never returned to his hometown of London after leaving West Ham and Chelsea never came close to signing him again.


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