Former Barcelona and Brazil maestro, Ronaldinho, has revealed that he almost signed for Manchester United in the summer of 2003.
The 35-year-old was close to linking up with the Old Trafford outfit, who of course signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12m that same summer.
However, instead of signing on the dotted line at United – he opted in favour of a move to La Liga giants, Barcelona, after promising Sandro Rosell that he would move to the Nou Camp from Paris-Saint Germain, if Rosell became club president at the Catalan side.
Rosell did ultimately become president of Barcelona, and Ronaldinho would spend a further five-years in Spain, winning two liga titles, a Kings Cup, as well as a European Cup winners’ medal.
But it could have been different, as he was close to completing a move to Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.
In an interview with Four Four Two Magazine, he said: “It almost happened with United.
“It was a matter of 48 hours, but Sandro Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: ‘If I become Barca president, will you come?’ I said yes.
“It was a quick negotiation. I told the English I had chosen Barca. It was the right choice. Brazilians have always loved Barca.”
The attacking midfielder, who helped his country to a World Cup triumph in 2002 – is currently a free-agent. He also attracted interest from former top-flight side, Blackburn Rovers in 2011 – holding negotiations with the East Lancashire side.
But he turned down the chance to sign for Rovers, to return home to Brazil.
Regarding his fling with the Rovers, he said: “About Blackburn – we talked to them, but I wanted to come back home to Brazil.”
