Said Yes to United – Then He Was Shot in the Head
Manchester United were close to signing one of South America’s brightest attacking talents in 2010. But a shocking tragedy stopped everything.
The Tragedy That Denied Manchester United a Star
Back in 2010, Manchester United were on the brink of signing Salvador Cabanas, one of South America’s top talents. The Paraguayan striker, named the best player in South America in 2007, had caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson, who was eager to bring him to Old Trafford.
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A Life-Changing Night in Mexico City
However, tragedy struck when Cabanas was shot in the head in the bathroom of Bar Bar nightclub in Mexico City. Miraculously, he survived, but the injuries sustained ended his hopes of joining United and derailed his promising career.
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At the time, Cabanas was a star at Club América. The shooter, a notorious drug dealer, confronted him with chilling words:
“I remember everything. He started insulting me, pulled out a gun, and said: ‘I’m JJ, the most wanted drug dealer. Today is your last day because you’re going to die. You steal from us Mexicans.’”
“I said: ‘Why? I came here to work because I need the money.’ He replied: ‘No, you make too much and take it back to Paraguay. We’re struggling while you prosper.’ Then he shot me,” Cabanas told talkSPORT.
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The Dream That Never Came True
The tragic incident meant Cabanas not only missed out on a move to Manchester United but also the chance to represent Paraguay at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
