Cristiano Ronaldo made a revelation that left the soccer world in shock—he was on the verge of becoming a member of Barcelona earlier than making his historic transfer to Manchester United in 2003. Talking in an interview with El Chiringuito, the Portuguese icon recalled how Barca confirmed critical curiosity in him whereas he was nonetheless at Sporting CP. Nonetheless, destiny had different plans, and Ronaldo ended up signing for Manchester United, the place he would grow to be the most effective gamers in soccer historical past.
For followers who’ve watched his legendary rivalry with Barcelona throughout his Actual Madrid years, the considered Ronaldo in a Blaugrana shirt is sort of unimaginable. However in keeping with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, issues may have turned out very otherwise had Barcelona acted quicker.
At simply 18 years outdated, the Portuguese ace was already making waves in his residence nation with Sporting CP. His performances had caught the eye of prime European golf equipment, together with Barcelona. In his interview, Ronaldo confirmed: “Sure, it was once I was enjoying at Sporting Lisbon, and I had the chance to affix numerous golf equipment, considered one of which was Barcelona,” he revealed.
The ahead additional defined that negotiations with Barcelona have been taking place behind the scenes, however there was a catch: “I keep in mind being with an individual from Barcelona who wished to signal me, but it surely didn’t occur. Possibly they wished to carry me in, however it might have been for the next yr. Then, a membership like Manchester United got here in and signed me instantly. You understand how quick every little thing strikes in soccer,” he added.
On the time, the Catalans have been constructing a golden era, with stars like Ronaldinho, Xavi, and a younger Lionel Messi starting to emerge. Had Ronaldo joined, he may have fashioned a devastating attacking partnership with Ronaldinho whereas doubtlessly enjoying alongside Messi within the years to come back.
Why did Ronaldo select Manchester United over Barcelona?
The explanation Ronaldo didn’t be part of Barcelona was easy—Manchester United acted quicker. Not like this Spanish aspect, who have been planning to signal him and mortgage him again to Sporting Lisbon for an additional yr, United wished him instantly.
Sir Alex Ferguson had been following Ronaldo intently and was so impressed by his efficiency in opposition to United in a pleasant that he made it a precedence to signal him. Simply days later, Manchester United accomplished a €19 million deal, making him the most costly teenager in Premier League historical past on the time.
Ronaldo’s love-hate relationship with Barcelona
Regardless of by no means enjoying for Barcelona, Ronaldo has at all times had a particular reference to Camp Nou—however not in the best way Blaugrana followers would have favored. He liked enjoying there, usually scoring in El Clasico battles.
“I liked enjoying at Camp Nou. Each time I stepped on the pitch, I used to be booed, however I most popular scoring there greater than on the Bernabeu,” Ronaldo admitted in an interview with A Bola. His intense battles with Messi and Barcelona outlined an period, making his newest admission much more stunning.
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The post Barcelona’s dream that by no means was: Why Cristiano Ronaldo did not be part of Lionel Messi earlier than Manchester United transfer first appeared on Foot & Soccer.
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Author : footsoccer
Publish date : 2025-02-05 01:23:20
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