Sir Sean Connery had at a time in his life rejected an offer to sign for Manchester United from the legendary Sir Matt Busby, who had tabled a £25-per-week contract offer.
The James Bond star sadly passed away aged 90 on Saturday following an illness.
But things could have been a lot different for the late actor, who admitted it was only due to his age that he snubbed United's approach.
“I really wanted to accept because I loved football,” Connery said.
“But I realised that a top-class footballer could be over the hill by the age of 30, and I was already 23.
“I decided to become an actor and it turned out to be one of my more intelligent moves.”
Busby had been impressed by Connery – who played as a right-winger – during a practice match in 1953 with actors from a musical he was appearing in with.
So much so that the United boss – who later became the first manager to lead an English team to European Cup success – asked Connery to sign immediately after the match.
It wasn't the first time Connery's talent had been identified though.
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Connery went on to become a hugely established actor, playing the role of Bond a total of seven times.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
