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

RONALDINHO got here extremely near signing for Manchester United - however ultimately snubbed them in favour of Barcelona.

The Brazilian is thought to be one of many best footballers of the final 20 years after a shocking profession within the sport.

Ronaldinho has revealed simply how shut he got here to becoming a member of Manchester United as an alternative of BarcelonaCredit score: AP:Related Press

And he admitted in 2018 that he was all set to turn into a United participant as he approached the height of his profession, solely to tug out on the final minute when Barca got here calling.

Ronaldinho had turn into one of many hottest properties in world soccer in two dazzling years proving himself in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain.

And Sir Alex Ferguson seemed to have received the race for his providers in 2003 when a payment and private phrases had been agreed to take the winger to Outdated Trafford.

However that transfer collapsed on the final minute when elections at Barcelona noticed Sandro Rosell turn into the membership's president.

Ronaldinho opted to make the transfer to the Nou Camp as an alternative of Outdated Trafford in 2003Credit score: AP:Related Press

United simply missed out on signing one of many best footballers within the historical past of the sportCredit score: Getty - Contributor

Chatting with FourFourTwo three years in the past, Ronaldinho stated: "It virtually occurred with United.

"It was a matter of 48 hours, however Sandro Rosell had advised me approach earlier than I obtained the provide: 'If I turn into Barca president, will you come?' I stated sure.

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"It was solely a matter of particulars with United when Rosell referred to as 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 fast negotiation.

"I advised the English I had chosen Barca. It was the precise selection.

"Brazilians have all the time cherished Barca. We've got a historical past there. Off the pitch it's like nowhere else in Europe, so we're all the time joyful taking part in there."

Ronaldinho's late change of coronary heart meant Ferguson simply missed out on the prospect to unleash what might have been one of the crucial harmful attacking forces in Europe on the sport.

For a similar summer time he forked out £12million to signal promising teenager Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting, who then went on to turn into a footballing nice.

When Ronaldinho left AC Milan he had the prospect to affix Blackburn, however selected a return to BrazilCredit score: Occasions Newspapers Ltd

Ronaldinho, now 41, additionally had one other probability to maneuver to the Premier League when he left AC Milan in 2011 as Blackburn made a bid for his providers.

However regardless of holding talks a few transfer to Ewood Park, he opted to make a return to Brazil to affix Flamengo.

He added: "About Blackburn: we talked to them, however I needed to return again house to Brazil."