Ronaldinho: Man United almost signed Brazilian star before joining Barcelona instead
- Ronaldinho was a highly sort after player by top European clubs in the early 2000s
- Manchester United made attempts to sign him in 2003
- But the Brazilian decided to join Barcelona instead and won Champions League title in the process
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has revealed that the Premier League club almost signed former Barcelona attacker Ronaldinho.
The 2008 Champions League winner said the Red Devils stars were already looking forward to playing with the talented Brazilian but ended up becoming his opponent weeks later.
According to The Mirror, United had been given the go-ahead to land the player only for him to change his mind and join the Catalans at the last minute.
Sir Alex Ferguson felt highly disappointed after failing to secure the services of the Brazilian having succeeded in signing likes of David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Kleberson, but also Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Ronaldinho could have been added to the list of players the legendary manager signed back then but the deal failed to sail.
When he was asked to name some of United's transfer failures under Ferguson by Robbie Savage on the Savage Social podcast, Scholes said: "I remember Harry Kewell was one.
"I think he ended up turning us down and going to Liverpool, which didn't really bother us that much. "I think Damien Duff was one as well, Arjen Robben, I think he was very close to coming.
"But I think the one who stands out is Ronaldinho. "I can't remember what year it was, but really I thought the manager had got him.
"We were away at pre-season and I think they were as close as announcing him and giving him the number, but he ended up changing his mind last minute and he signed for Barcelona."
The former midfielder recalled playing against Ronaldinho shortly after missing out on signing him.
"It's strange really because that pre-season tour we were playing against Barcelona, so we were all excited," said Scholes.
"Ronaldinho, what a player! We thought he was going to bring something special, almost like what (Eric) Cantona brought to the team.
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"Then three days later we're playing against him in Seattle, so everyone's trying to kick him! "We were trying to beat him because he didn't sign for us."
Ronaldinho spent just five seasons in Barcelona and he won five titles in the process and was also regarded as the best player in the world.
Legit.ng earlier reported that Barcelona captain Lionel Messi has been named in Ronaldinho's Ultimate XI attack which also includes Cameroon legend Samuel Eto'o.
The 40-year-old may be having a tough time clearing his name in the Paraguayan fake documents saga, he played along with some fantastic players at the Camp Nou.
His five-year reign with the Catalans produced five major trophies - including one Champions League, two La Ligas, and two Spanish Super Cup titles.
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Source: Legit.ng
