Former Manchester United man Chris Eagles admits it was hard to leave the Red Devils

Bolton winger Chris Eagles has admitted that it was hard for him to leave Manchester United, the club which he joined at a tender age of 14. After his transfer to Bolton from Burnley this summer, Eagles his all set to face the club where he spent the early days of his career and will be up against a few of his former teammates.

Eagles has nothing but fond memories of his time at Old Trafford

Speaking to Daily Mail, Eagles credited Sir Alex for helping him to make a decision during a tricky phase in his career.

“It was so difficult. I didn’t want to go. But I love playing football. So Sir Alex said, ‘There is this manager I would love you to meet’. He introduced me to Owen Coyle and that was that. I knew then I had met the right person.”

Continuing his praise for the former gaffer, Eagles added:

“Sir Alex had looked after me ever since I was young.”I still look up to him, like everyone does. He was a father figure. When I had problems I went to him. Sir Alex knew I needed someone similar. When you see Owen [Coyle] on the sidelines he is always there, encouraging me. Sir Alex does that to all his young players too. He makes sure they go to the right club.”

Despite spending 5 seasons since making his first team debut, Eagles managed to muster 17 appearances in total for the Red Devils. In the presence of Giggs, Ronaldo, Nani, first team appearances were a rarity and this provoked him to look for a new team. After spending time on loan at various clubs, Eagles was permanently transferred to Burnley in the beginning of the 2008-09 season. But three seasons later, the 25 year old finds himself at the Reebok Stadium, reunited with Owen Coyle. Eagles defended his decision to leave Burnley despite having a successful period with the club.

“I loved Burnley. I would never say anything bad about them. But my aim was to go there as a stepping stone. When Owen left I hoped I would come here with him.”

“He (Coyle) is ambitious and so are we. We are aiming for the top half, definitely. We’re all young, and it’s exciting. Everyone took the old Bolton as being long-ball. Owen’s transferred that into being a passing, attacking team.”

Eagles, who watched from the stands as Manchester United ran riot against Arsenal, insists he has no hard feelings against any of his former teammates.

“People don’t realise how hard it is, what it’s like to play at Old Trafford. When you walk out there in front of 70,000 people it takes your breath away.

“It is difficult when other players arrive but it’s not personal. It’s not their fault. Anderson and Nani, for example, are both great lads. But it’s hard when you go on tour, play in the games, score goals, come back and play the friendlies. Then the season starts and you are straight back out again. It does hurt. I won’t lie.

“I went and watched United and Arsenal and it just brings back memories. Seeing all the lads playing together, it sort of upsets you in a way. But Bolton is my club now. I am thrilled to be here and I don’t regret a thing.”