Ronaldo Reveals How Close He Was To Joining Arsenal
Portuguese Superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo has given a clue to the tussle that ensued before he made the move to Manchester United.
The Juventus forward revealed that he was only inches away from a move to Arsenal before Premier League rivals in Manchester United hijacked the deal.
Ronaldo further explained that he had even met with Arsene Wenger ahead of a move to the Emirates Stadiu before Manchester United quickly grabbed him.
Only a preseason friendly between Manchester United and Ronaldo’s former club, Sporting Lisbon cemented the Juventus man’s future.
Manchester United were thought to be so impressed with his performances for Sporting Lisbon that they staked everything to sign the winger.
The five-time Balon D’Or winner also revealed that other European giants separate from the Premier League duo were interested in his signing. Most prominent of these clubs are Barcelona and Inter Milan.
In an interview with Portuguese TV station TVI, the Portugal International said: “There had been contacts with so many other teams, Valencia for example were one of them.
“I met with Arsene Wenger and was about to go to Arsenal. I talked to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter too but after the friendly against Manchester United, who were already interested, they became even more interested and they sped up negotiations and signed me.”
HAVE YOU READ: Ronaldo Insists Messi Has Made Him A Better Footballer
It was after the Red devils friendly with Sporting Lisbon that Sir Alex Fergusom was given the nod by his players to land the young lad.
Gary Neville during that match later admitted to playing against one of the most able rivals he’s ever come across.
“After the match [against Sporting] I remember sending a text to my brother, saying ‘we need to sign him’ and apparently there was a lot of talk about him on the coach after the game,” the United club legend wrote many years later in a column for Sky Sports.
“Obviously players should never be involved in signings, but he certainly made everyone sit up and take notice.
“I’d never heard of him and I’d never seen him before that night, but there was a huge excitement among the players afterwards.”
