Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he was close to joining Arsenal
Football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has made a stunning revelation about his early career, admitting that he came close to joining Arsenal before eventually signing for Manchester United.
In an interview with Piers Morgan on the podcast Piers Morgan Uncensored, the Portuguese superstar confirmed long-standing rumours linking him with a move to North London in the early 2000s.
“It’s a true story. I was close to joining Arsenal many years ago, but it’s the past,” Ronaldo disclosed.
Before rising to global fame at Manchester United, Ronaldo was one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents while playing for Sporting Lisbon. Arsène Wenger’s Arsenal were among the first clubs to express strong interest in signing him, but the deal ultimately never materialised.
Reflecting on that period, Ronaldo added that he has always held affection for the Gunners despite never playing for them.
“Honestly, I haven’t looked at Arsenal as a rival. It’s a team I like!” he said with a smile.
The revelation reignites one of football’s great “what if” stories, how different history might have been had Ronaldo joined Wenger’s Invincibles-era Arsenal instead of Manchester United in 2003.
Ronaldo went on to win three Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, and his first Ballon d’Or with United, cementing his place as one of the greatest players in football history.
Ronaldo playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia
Now plying his trade at Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, the five-time Ballon d’or winner has gone on to represent Real Madrid and Juventus. The 40-year-old forward has gone on to scored 953 career goals and he is on course to become the first professional footballer in history to reach 1000 career goals.
For Arsenal fans, however, Ronaldo’s words will leave them wondering just how unstoppable their side might have been with the Portuguese legend in red and white.