Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that Arsenal wanted to sign him from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 before he eventually elected to join Manchester United.
Ronaldo was linked with a switch to the Gunners at the time but he ended up signing for United after impressing against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in a friendly.
The Portugal international enjoyed much success at Old Trafford – he won three league titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two League Cups, but admitted that his career could have panned out rather differently.
As reported by Marca, Ronaldo said: “Yes, it was not planned that United would be my team. Other clubs like Arsenal, Valencia, and Inter had enquired about me but we played against United and the rest is history.”
Now seen as one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo recently signed a new long-term contract at Real Madrid and has scored five goals in ten La Liga appearances this season.
There had previously been suggestions that Ronaldo could return to United but, with the 31-year-old now contracted to Real Madrid until June 2021, it seems unlikely that he will be heading back to the Premier League anytime soon.
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