Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he was ‘one step’ from joining Arsenal
Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted that at one point, he was just “one step away” from joining Arsenal.
The Portuguese forward opened up to Piers Morgan about his near-move to the Gunners.
When he was 18, Ronaldo had become a rising prospect at Sporting CP, and was wanted by both Arsenal and Manchester United.
After impressing in a pre-season game against United, Sir Alex Ferguson was desperate to sign him.
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As a result, United paid £12.24million for him, making him the most expensive teenager in English footballing history.
However, the superstar admitted that he was close to joining Arsenal prior to the move to Manchester.
Arsene Wenger has famously claimed that he tried to sign Ronaldo [among many other great players], and the Portuguese sensation was full of praise for the French manager.
“It’s true, of course, it’s true,” Ronaldo said when asked if the story of him nearly joining Arsenal was true.
“I was with Arsene. One step away.
“[Arsenal are] A fantastic club.
“It didn’t happen, but Arsenal I respect what they did for me, especially Arsene Wenger.
“You know with football, you never know where you’re going to play.
“Life is like that, especially with football.
“I respect Arsenal because I respect football.”
Ronaldo was left in stitches when Morgan, an Arsenal fan, presented him with an Arsenal shirt with Ronaldo 7 printed on the back.
“It’s a good club, thank you for the shirt,” he joked. “I will keep it in a special place.”