Cristiano Ronaldo: I could have played for Barca before Manchester United

The Portuguese star was pursued by the Catalan club before he joined the Red Devils in 2003

Before moving to Manchester United in 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo spoke with Barcelona personnel, he disclosed this in a conversation with journalist Edu Aguirre.

Several elite clubs saw Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent when he was just starting his professional career at Sporting Lisbon. But everything changed when Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager at the time, called.

After some time, Ronaldo moved to England, where he won a Ballon d’Or and made history. However, he was apparently on the verge of signing with FC Barcelona thus his career path might have taken a surprise turn. Many people are shocked by the unexpected reason why the deal never happened.

Ronaldo stated at the beginning of the interview:

”Yes, it was when I was playing at Sporting Lisbon and I had the opportunity to join various clubs, one of which was Barcelona.”

”I remember being with a person from Barcelona who wanted to sign me, but it didn’t happen. Maybe they wanted to bring me in, but it would have been for the following year. Then, a club like Manchester United came along and signed me immediately. You know how fast everything moves in football.”

Barcelona wanted him to first become accustomed to the club and the language before securing a place in the senior squad, but Ronaldo, who has always been ambitious, gave priority to quick chances to advance with the first squad.

Time proved him correct, as Ronaldo went on to win the English Ballon d’Or and sign a record-breaking contract with Barcelona’s fiercest rival, Real Madrid. He solidified his reputation in Madrid by becoming one of the finest players in the club’s history and collecting numerous Ballon d’Or honours.

Cristiano Ronaldo on playing at the Camp Nou

Ronaldo also claimed in his most recent interview that he preferred scoring goals at Camp Nou over the Santiago Bernabeu:  

“I enjoyed more scoring goals at Camp Nou because it was a rival ground and everyone whistled at you. In the warm-up they whistled at you. That’s the beauty of soccer.”

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