Van Basten reveals Barcelona snub

The former forward joined Milan in 1987, but Barcelona coach Johan Cruijff wanted to sign him one year later.

"I told [Cruyff] no, it had only been a season since I arrived in MIlan from Ajax and due to my ankle injury I hadn't played much," Van Basten told EFE.

"Also, at that time the best football was played in Italy," he added.

"I wanted to show at Milan how good a player I was and the next two years we won the European Cup."

Van Basten scored 125 goals in 201 games with the Rossoneri and won 15 trophies, including four Scudettos and three Champions Leagues at Milan.

At the end of his playing career, Van Basten coached the Dutch national team, Ajax, Heerenveen and AZ Alkmaar, but he revealed his experience is over.

"I will never be a coach again," he claimed.