Edgar Davids on United transfer talks and Paul Ince

Davids collaborated with American sculptor and video artist Paul Pfeiffer to produce the entrance to the exhibition, an incredibly atmospheric space that accurately portrays just what it is like to be in the players’ tunnel before a big game, featuring sound recorded from a Milan derby at the San Siro.

“I was contacted by Juan Mata and he asked me if I wanted to join,” said the 52-year-old. “I said sure and spoke to Paul and came up with the idea. He supported it, he’s a very good, renowned artist, even having a show right now in Chicago. So we created this imaginary tunnel.

“I interviewed a couple of old players and everybody experienced it differently, so that’s the fun part. That is why people ask me what do you want the public to experience but you have to experience it and just listen to it and try to feel what is going on. Only then can you tell us what you have experienced. Before, they can’t really grasp or experience the tunnel and how it affects you.

“The Milan derby is one of the best atmospheres, with the rivalry going on, and you can also sense the intensity with the fans signing.”

‘Football City, Art United’ is being held at Aviva Studios in Manchester until 24 August.