AC Milan midfielder Nigel de Jong has admitted that he felt "proud" when he heard rumours that Manchester United were interested in signing him.
The former Manchester City player was believed to have been a target for Louis van Gaal, who worked with the midfielder in the Dutch national side.
Reports of a possible £10m deal with Milan did the rounds in the summer transfer window, but United eventually opted to sign Daley Blind for £14m from Ajax.
"If many people like him respect me and recognise what I am doing, then I can only be proud," The Express quotes De Jong as saying.
Recently, it was reported that Milan are planning to offer a new deal to the midfielder.
