Ronaldinho reveals he was 48 hours away from joining Manchester United

Ronaldinho has revealed that he was just 48 hours away from joining Manchester United instead of Barcelona in 2003, reports Goal.

A deal had been agreed in principle to bring the Brazilian, who has made 97 appearances for the Selecao, to Old Trafford from Paris Saint-Germain, but Ronaldinho decided to sign for Barcelona instead.

His mind was changed after discussions with Sandro Rosell, who at the time was the senior advisor to new Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

Ronaldinho’s time at Barcelona was a tremendous success, and he was widely regarded as the best player in the world for a number of years. His outrageous skill delighted fans around the world, and he scored 94 goals in 207 appearances for Barça. The 34-year-old, who currently plays for Atletico Mineiro, won the Champions League, two La Liga titles, and two Spanish Super Cups at Camp Nou.

The two-time FIFA World Player of the Year said he believes he made the right choice, and speaking in the latest issue of FourFourTwo, he said: ”It almost happened with United.

“It was a matter of 48 hours, but Sandro Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: ‘If I become Barca president, will you come?’ I said yes.

“It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the elections there. And I had promised to him that I’d play for Barca. It was a quick negotiation. I told the English I had chosen Barca.

“It was the right choice. Brazilians have always loved Barca. We have a history there. Off the pitch it is like nowhere else in Europe, so we are always happy playing there.”

Ronaldinho’s owners at the time have since gone on to become anything but a selling club, and last month Paris Saint-Germain confirmed the reported £40 million purchase of Chelsea’s David Luiz.