Cristiano Ronaldo: I Almost Joined Juventus Back In 2003

 

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he had numerous offers from around Europe back in 2003, but opted to join Manchester United because of his agent.

The 32-year-old was one of the most sought after Youngsters in world football back in 2003 and Sir Alex Ferguson managed to persuade him to move to Manchester United.

He went on to become a bona fide superstar with United before earning a lucrative move to Real Madrid where has since drawn level with Lionel Messi with five Ballon d’Ors.

But it could have been a different story altogether had he opted for a different career path.

In an interview with Alessandro Del Piero at the Globe Soccer Awards last night, where Ronaldo won the Best Player of the Year prize, the Portugal international admitted he came close to signing for Juventus.

However, Ronaldo opted for a move to the Premier League and he thanked his agent, as wellas Ferguson, for helping make a childhood dream come true.

"Many clubs were interested in me,” Ronaldo said.

"But the key man as always was Jorge Mendes.

"He has always guided me in the right direction. Of course, I remember that he talked also about Juventus, and I was happy because they are an extraordinary club.

"He also talked about Real Madrid, Manchester United and many others. But the club that offered me the best conditions were United. It was a dream because as a kid I always wanted to play in the Premier League.

"United gave me this opportunity and for that I have to thank Sir Alex Ferguson and obviously Jorge helped me to arrive there."