Planet Swans ArchivesHartson has almost constantly been linked with a move to the Liberty Stadium for the past eighteen months and Roberto did speak to the striker earlier this season but revealed soon after that he would not be making a move. And having been released by West Brom last week the former Welsh international hung his boots up this week saying that he could no longer continue in the game.
Speaking to BBC Sport though Hartson revealed that not playing for Swansea was the biggest regret of his career – he has been a Swans fan all his life. “Going to Swansea would have meant more than joining Manchester United.” he said
“I tried to join last summer but nothing materialised, which was a shame.
“I was very close to joining Swansea 18 months as Kenny Jackett wanted me to partner Lee Trundle up front,” he said.
“I had a meeting with the new manager Roberto Martinez and a club director last summer and I told them my desire to play for the club.
“It would have been a great last challenge for me as I was then lingering in the reserves at West Brom.
“My mates are fitness fanatics and they would have got me fit for my final fling, I’d have made sure of that.
“Unfortunately that is not going to happen and following my meeting with Roberto last summer, signing for Swansea was never close.
“I get on well with Roberto and I have a lot of respect for him, he has done a brilliant job for us.
“I have very been fortunate to play in Europe for big clubs like Arsenal and Celtic,” said Hartson.
“And have proudly represented my country.
“So the idea of going down the leagues had never appealed to me.
“I could have joined a club next week if I wanted but my fire to train every day has gone.
“Once you can’t offer that then I don’t see the point in continuing.
“Someone my size was never going to play until I was 38.
“But my back, knees and ankles feel quite good, I just don’t have the enthusiasm to continue.
“The only club that would have given me that fire is Swansea.
“I would not have wanted my mates booing me off, making a clown of myself playing for the Swans.”
