5 Things You Didn't Know About Cristiano Ronaldo

#1. Ronaldo almost joined FC Barcelona

Two of the greatest of all time.

The last decade in football has been defined to a large extent by the epic rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi. Both players are claimed to be the 'best player in the world' by their fans and both of them present pretty convincing cases in their favour.

But one regret that every football fan of this generation has, is not being able to see both men play in the same team. What most people don't realize is how close this was to become reality.

Messi and Ronaldo together?

Joan Laporta was the President of FC Barcelona from 2003 to 2010. He revealed that he was offered the services of the Portuguese star for a fee of €17 million by his agent back in 2003.

But Barcelona had already signed Ronaldinho, Marquez, and Quaresma that summer, and could not afford another player. As a result, Ronaldo ended up signing with Manchester United and would later join Barcelona's eternal rivals, Real Madrid.