Ronaldo reveals: I was close to joining Arsenal

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese star of Saudi Arabia's Al-Nassr, revealed a moment that almost changed the course of his football career, admitting that he came very close to signing with Arsenal before ultimately choosing Manchester United. The interview he gave to British journalist Piers Morgan reignited the debate surrounding the Portuguese star's most significant moments, as he spoke about Arsenal's past offer, saying: "I was very close to joining them, but things didn't work out, and that's in the past now." Although Ronaldo didn't specify the exact timing of the attempt, reports indicate that the offer came before his move to Manchester United, the club where he began his golden career and won several titles before becoming an icon in the team's history. "CR7" also expressed his admiration for the London club, explaining: "Arsenal is a great team. I don't see them as rivals, and I really admire their style of play." These statements bring to mind the story of his early discovery by Frenchman Arsène Wenger, then manager of Arsenal, who invited Ronaldo to train with the team in 2003. However, at the crucial moment, Manchester United entered the fray with a £12 million offer, rendering his move to Arsenal a mere formality. He then embarked on a historic and highly successful career with the Red Devils. Ronaldo continues to shine with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, maintaining his significant influence on the pitch, while his footballing past remains a rich source of material for the press and fans, as new aspects of his extraordinary journey are revealed.