But Sneijder insists that the reason why the move did not happen was not the finances.
“I just felt that it was close, yes [I thought I was going],” Sneijder told AD.
“We had several talks, the situation was such that Inter had to sell a player, Eto’o or me, and indeed there was interest.
“They [Manchester United] are one of the biggest clubs in the world, so it did not seem a bad thing – but at the same time I do not want to leave Inter.
“Italy is great for me, and I cannot exclude that they [United] got that feeling, for me a move was not an absolute must and there were a few things which meant it did not happen.”
He continued: “For me it was not so much a financial issue, my feeling was that I was simply feeling very good at Inter, I love the club but also the Italian culture and the people, it fits me.”
Sneijder insists he never held talks with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
“No, Alex Ferguson and I have never spoken, so far,” he concluded.
