Shocking! Cristiano Ronaldo Could Have Joined Arsenal A Decade Ago
Nov 11, 2016 at 3:08 PM
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has always been criticized for the lack of ambition in transfer windows, something that has seen them miss out on some top class players over the years.
The manager has at times been reluctant to pay up for top transfer targets and has seen some quality players slip out of his grasp.
One such player who Arsenal fans will be shocked to know that could have moved to the club is Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese international is easily one of the best players ever to play the sport and is still going strong, helping Real Madrid to the top of the La Liga table going into the international break.
He joined Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson back in 2003 and was an impact player who helped the club to some memorable moments in his time in England. He has grown on to become better every season and is a genuine contender for yet another Ballon d’Or this year.
Winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford, Ronaldo is one of the most decorated stars in recent times for the club and has now revealed that he could have moved to the Emirates before all those years.
It is well known that Sir Alex Ferguson, whose side lost to Sporting Lisbon in a friendly before the 2003 season, spotted Ronaldo in that game. Manchester United lost 3-1 but the manager was pleasantly surprised by one teenager Cristiano Ronaldo and it did not take long for Ferguson to lay his hands on his man.
The 31-year old who is currently on international duty with Portugal, has revealed that there were a number of clubs who wanted to sign him at that time and that the Friendly against United is what helped him complete a move to Old Trafford.
Speaking to the media, 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,” he added.
Ronaldo, 31, has penned a 5 year deal with the Los Blancos this season and is going strong and Arsenal fans will now know that they could have had him alongside Thierry Henry in his prime at the club.
And the Portuguese star went on to say that he could end up playing till he is 41.
He said: ”What I most want is to continue enjoying the years I have left to play. I still have 10 years.”
Do you think Ronaldo can play till he is 41?