Wenger had given Ronaldo Arsenal Shirt

Arsenal Offered Ronaldo 3 times less than United

Cristiano Ronaldo was so close to joining Arsenal instead of Manchester United, that Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger had even give the Portuguese winger an Arsenal shirt and Ronaldo accepted. Starsport yesterday disclosed that Arsenal were just beaten off by rivals United to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

Wenger also revealed that Ronaldo was given a tour around the Arsenal training ground but Arsenal were shrugged off by United’s three times more bid – £12.25m.

“I had Ronaldo at the training ground,” said Wenger. “I showed him around and I gave him a shirt. It has got his name on the back.

“I wanted him to be here, but most important is he makes a career.

“He went to Man United and made a career – he would have done that here – and he is Footballer of the Year. It’s fantastic.

“I saw that he was an exceptional talent, but we could not predict that he would become the player he is.

“Of course, Sir Alex Ferguson deserves credit for that.

“What we did not see in him at that time is his capability to score goals.

“When we saw him in the Toulon tournament he was something special but he did not score goals – he did not even go in the box. Today from corners he is good in the air.”

Furthermore, Ronaldo had revealed in an interview with the organisers of the Ballon d’Or, France Football that he and his mum had met Wenger 3 times. The only thing that was achieved from these encounters was a healthy friendship and respect towards each other.

“Wenger remains someone that I still have immense respect for and my mum feels the same way,” stated Ronaldo.

“My mother and I were watching a match on television when the camera stopped on Wenger’s face. And my mother shouted out, ‘I know him, he’s a nice man’.”

Wenger responded: “I’m disappointed that I seduced only Ronaldo’s mum!”

Queiroz Factor Made It Impossible for Arsenal

“United had Carlos Queiroz. He knew him well and since then they have signed Anderson and Nani from Portugal because of Queiroz. It’s like I can sign from France because I know them well.”

This Summer, Manchester United were outbid in their attempt to sign Cardiff youngster Aaron Ramsey and despite he joined Arsenal, the Red Devils still boasted about Ramsey joining United on their official website.