Ronaldinho has discussed how he came close to joining Manchester United, but chose Barcelona instead.
The Brazilian forward was heavily linked to Old Trafford whilst with French side Paris Saint Germain but failed to agree personal terms after a deal between the clubs was agreed in principle.
Ronaldinho moved to Barcelona shortly after after being convinced by close friend Sandro Rosell, who said that he wanted the forward to become a player such as Ronaldo, Romario and Rivaldo at the Camp Nou.
“Everything was beautiful and happened fast. A great friend of mine was about to become a part of the Barcelona board: Sandro Rosell,” he told El Enganche.
“Before the offers came, he had asked me if I would play in Barcelona when they won the election and became the presidents, and I had said ‘Yes’.
“I was almost on my way to Manchester United and only the details needed to be put onto that deal. But in the last minute Rosell called me to tell me they would win the election. That made everything happen fast.
“I wanted to play in Barcelona. When I signed, I didn’t feel pressure, I felt joy. I had the chance that all of the players wanted, to play in a great club like Barcelona.
“I had the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my idols. I was proud to play where Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo had played and I had the chance to be Barcelona’s new ‘R’. I loved that.”
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