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Ronaldinho reveals why he chose Barcelona over Manchester United and how close he really got to Blackburn

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RONALDINHO came incredibly close to signing for Manchester United – but eventually snubbed them in favour of Barcelona.

The Brazilian is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of the last two decades after a stunning career in the game.

Ronaldinho has revealed just how close he came to joining Manchester United instead of BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press

And he admitted in 2018 that he was all set to become a United player as he approached the peak of his career, only to pull out at the last minute when Barca came calling.

Ronaldinho had become one of the hottest properties in world football in two dazzling years proving himself in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain.

And Sir Alex Ferguson looked to have won the race for his services in 2003 when a fee and personal terms had been agreed to take the winger to Old Trafford.

But that move collapsed at the last minute when elections at Barcelona saw Sandro Rosell become the club’s president.

Ronaldinho opted to make the move to the Nou Camp instead of Old Trafford in 2003Credit: AP:Associated Press
United just missed out on signing one of the greatest footballers in the history of the gameCredit: Getty – Contributor

Speaking to FourFourTwo three years ago, Ronaldinho 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.

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“It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the elections there.

“And I had promised to him that I’d play for Barça… It was a quick negotiation.

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“I told the English I had chosen Barca. It was the right choice.

“Brazilians have always loved Barca. We have a history there. Off the pitch it is like nowhere else in Europe, so we are always happy playing there.”

Ronaldinho’s late change of heart meant Ferguson just missed out on the chance to unleash what could have been one of the most destructive attacking forces in Europe on the game.

For the same summer he forked out £12million to sign promising youngster Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting, who then went on to become a footballing great.

When Ronaldinho left AC Milan he had the chance to join Blackburn, but decided on a return to BrazilCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Ronaldinho, now 41, also had another chance to move to the Premier League when he left AC Milan in 2011 as Blackburn made a bid for his services.

But despite holding talks about a move to Ewood Park, he opted to make a return to Brazil to join Flamengo.

He added: “About Blackburn: we talked to them, but I wanted to come back home to Brazil.”

Take a look back at the stunning career of Brazilian legend Ronaldinho as he announces his retirement

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk

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