The one(s) that got away

Those watching the fascinating (and fairly funny) events from Stamford Bridge last night will have seen McDonald Mariga come on for Inter with five minutes remaining. I was never too enthusiastic about his potential signing but when you see that José Mourinho is willing to trust him with seeing out Inter's progression to a Champions League quarter final you realise the level of player we missed out on.

Because Mariga was the breadth of a Home Office rubber-stamp away from joining City in January. As soon as that move fell through Inter pounced. And I'm not sure Mariga has too many regrets with the way things turned out:

"I need to improve and play more at this level, but to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world is a fantastic experience.

"Manchester City? Yes I almost join them, but it did not happen because of my work permit.

"But now I am at Inter with the best manager in the world."

Quite.

Interestingly enough, there was another one that got away triumphant last night. Mark Hughes tried very hard to sign Diego Milito in August 2008, but he chose to re-join Genoa as he abandoned relegated Real Zaragoza. A goal-laden season followed, and he went to Inter last summer, and is second top scorer in Serie A this season. Ouch.