Cristiano Ronaldo very nearly joined Arsenal before a late move to Manchester United.
When it comes to international football, the star striker is untouched, but Portugal have been handed a tough draw next year, so if you fancy a bet on Euro 2020 top scorer, then Ronaldo might not be your man this time around.
In terms o club football, Arsene Wenger has always claimed that the Portuguese superstar Ronaldo was on his radar – but the Gunners legend has said the same about nearly every top player.
However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has finally revealed just how close he came to teaming up with Thierry Henry and Denis Bergkamp.
Ronaldo, now of Juventus, joined Manchester United after leaving Sporting Lisbon in 2003. But in an interview with Piers Morgan, he revealed how he could have signed for the Gunners.
Questioned whether the rumours were true, he said: “It is true. Of course it is true.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0m3N2QKxHo
“It didn’t happen, but Arsenal, I appreciate what they did for me, especially Arsene Wenger. In football you never know where you are going to play, life is like that.
“But I appreciate Arsenal because it is a fantastic club and you support Arsenal. And now you support Juventus.”
One ambitious fan tweeted: “If Ronaldo joined Arsenal they would have been champions every year.”
Another said: “Arsenal almost won the league with Nicklas Bendtner… imagine if Ronaldo had joined us. Life is cruel sometimes man.”
Over on Reddit, the conversation continued, with one writing: “This transfer could’ve completely changed the history of Arsenal.
“To hear it was one stop away from happening is so painful!”.