Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he was close to joining Barcelona before Manchester United moved quickly to sign him from Sporting Lisbon in 2003, Softfootball understands.
The Portugal captain recalled that the Spanish giants had shown interest in him during his time at Sporting, but the proposed move did not materialise.
Speaking to El Chiringuito de Jugones, Ronaldo said he had the opportunity to join several clubs before Manchester United eventually completed his transfer.
Ronaldo said:
I was playing at Sporting Lisbon and I had the opportunity to join various clubs, one of which was Barcelona
I remember being with a person from Barcelona who wanted to sign me, but it didn’t happen. Maybe they wanted to bring me in, but it would have been for the following year.
Then a club like Manchester United came along and signed me immediately. You know how fast everything moves in football.
Ronaldo went on to enjoy a hugely successful six-year spell at Manchester United, scoring 84 goals and winning three Premier League titles as well as the UEFA Champions League.
The forward later moved to Real Madrid in 2009, where he established himself as one of the greatest players in football history. He scored 451 goals in 438 appearances for the Spanish giants and won four Champions League titles.
