Wesley Sneijder Turned Down Manchester United Move for Champions League Football

Galatasaray midfielder Wesley Sneijder has revealed that he turned down a chance to move to Manchester United in the summer because he wanted to continue playing in the Champions League.

The Red Devils had a dismal season last year and finished in seventh place in the Premier League, giving up their place among Europe's elite.

The Dutch midfielder, who was a key part of Louis van Gaal's Netherlands team at the World Cup, was flattered by the interest but rejected the move due to the lack of Champions League football on offer at Old Trafford.

But he admits that the former Bayern Munich coach is one of the best in the world.

"Louis (Van Gaal) is one of the most intelligent men in football - and I knew of Manchester United's interest in the summer," Sneijder said, according to the Daily Mail.

"It was flattering - but I am very happy in Turkey - and it is very hard to leave Champions League football," the former Inter Milan midfielder added.

Earlier in the month Sneijder had revealed that he was very happy in Turkey and even if United want to sign him, he was unsure if current employers Galatasaray will let him leave on the cheap.

"However, I doubt Manchester United could tempt me to leave Galatasaray right now, I don't see it happening. Everything is going well for me in Istanbul and I have settled into life in Turkey and feel at home," the Dutch international remarked.

Sneijder was speaking ahead of Galatasaray's Champions League tie against Arsenal, a match they went on to lose 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.