Chelsea great and former Dutch international Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has claimed that he was one of Louis van Gaal's favourite players.
Hasselbaink played most of his games for Holland under current Manchester United boss van Gaal between 2000 and 2002 and suggests the former Oranje manager was interested in having him at Barcelona when he took the reins at Camp Nou.
In an interview published in the Daily Mail, Hasselbaink said: "I was always one of his favourites.
"He wanted to sign me for Barcelona from Chelsea in 2003. I will never forget this. The fee was already arranged, then they played Valencia, he lost at home, he got the sack, and the deal didn't go through."
When asked if he thinks van Gaal has changed over the time, Hasselbaink said: "He is mild! I'm telling you.
"I have not spoken to him yet. I need to find the time to go over to Manchester and have a cup of coffee or tea with him when he is not that busy.
