Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho Gaucho has revealed that he almost joined Manchester United back in 2003. The Premier League side wanted him to replace the departed David Beckham who joined Real Madrid back then, but failed in their pursuit as Barcelona intervened late and signed him.
Ronaldinho said in an interview with El Enganche that Sandro Rosell was a key factor in him joining the Blaugrana as he had a good rapport with him, “Everything was beautiful and it all happened so fast. Sandro Rosell, a great friend of mine, was about to become part of the Barcelona board.
“Before the offers came in he’d asked me if I would play for Barcelona when they [Rosell and Joan Laporta] won the elections and became Presidents, and I said ‘yes’.
“I was almost on the way to Manchester United and only the small details were needed to conclude the agreement. But at the last minute Rosell called to tell me they would win the elections and that made things happen quickly.
“I wanted to play for Barca. When I signed I didn’t feel under any pressure, I just felt joy. I had the chance all footballers would want, to play at a great club like Barcelona.
“It was a chance to follow in the footsteps of my idols. I was proud to play where Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo had played and it was an opportunity to become the club’s new ‘R’. I loved that,” he added.
After joining from PSG in 2003, Ronaldinho went on to have a stellar career at Barcelona and even lifted the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2005. He also helped his side win two league titles and the UEFA Champions league in 2006. He spent five years at the club before moving on to AC Milan.
On the other hand, Manchester United went ahead and signed a certain Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon for €17.5m. As it turned out, Ronaldo went on to become one of the greatest players in the club’s history, so United did not rue missing the signature of Ronaldinho.