Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he had the option of joining Arsenal instead of Manchester United back when he was a teenager. The Portuguese great enjoyed a fruitful career playing in England's top-flight across two spells with the Red Devils.
Ronaldo made the revelation during his exclusive interview with Piers Morgan, which was aired on YouTube, confirming the story that has made waves over the years. He admitted to his admiration for the Gunners, claiming that he does not consider them to be a rival team, as they are a team he likes.
“It’s true story. I was close to joining Arsenal many years ago… but it’s the past. Honestly, when I look at Arsenal, I'm always looking at them not like a rival. I like the team, I like them!", he said (via @FabrizioRomano on X).
Ronaldo came through the youth setup of Portuguese outfit Sporting Club, where he caught the attention of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side. At 18 years old, he came up against Manchester United in a pre-season friendly for Sporting and shone so brightly that the club decided to sign him immediately afterwards.
Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United as the world's best player in 2009 to join Real Madrid, spending nine years at the Santiago Bernabeu. He then joined Juventus in 2018 before returning to Old Trafford three years later. Before re-signing with Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer's side, he was strongly linked with a move to Manchester City, but ultimately ended up with the Red Devils.
Cristiano Ronaldo rules Manchester United out of Premier League title race
Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he does not expect Manchester United to compete for the Premier League title this season. The 40-year-old made the admission during his interview with Piers Morgan, a part of which has been aired on YouTube.
The Al-Nassr superstar has explained why the Red Devils presently stand no chance of winning the league title, naming Arsenal as the favourite for the crown. He admitted that the league's unpredictable nature means that anything can happen, but he does not expect his former side to win.
“In the Premier League you never know what’s gonna happen…Manchester (United) is not going to win the Premier League because they are far points behind right now. It’s possible, but I do not believe in that. Arsenal could win the league", he said (via World Soccer Talk).
Arsenal currently lead the way in the Premier League with a six-point cushion over Manchester City in second place. The Gunners have lost only once this season and have won each of their last five league games, justifying Cristiano Ronaldo's favourites tag.