Paul Scholes says Manchester United were all ready to unveil Ronaldinho and hand him a squad number when the Brazilian changed his mind at the last minute and headed to Barcelona.
The Red Devils icon told BBC Radio 5 Live of those he had hoped to see United sign: “I always remember two or three that were possibly coming – Harry Kewell was one, and you knew what a good player he was. I think he ended up turning us down to go to Liverpool, which didn’t really bother us that much.
“Damien Duff was one at the time as well, Arjen Robben – I think he was very close to coming. As a midfielder you look forward to playing with quick players who can run with the ball and score you goals.
“The one that stands out is Ronaldinho. I can’t remember what year it was but I really think the manager got him.
“We were away in pre-season and I think they were close to announcing him and giving him a number but I think he ended up changing his mind at the last minute and signed for Barcelona.
“It’s strange because in that pre-season tour we were playing against Barcelona so we were all excited - ‘Ronaldinho, what a player’.
“He was coming from PSG and we all thought he is going to bring something special – almost like what Cantona brought to the team – and the next minute, three days later we are playing against him in Seattle and everyone is trying to kick him! We tried to boot him because he didn’t sign for us.
“I was lucky enough to play with so many great players and he would have just been another, but it never happened.”
Ronaldinho spent five years with Barcelona, scoring 94 goals across 207 appearances while helping the Catalan giants to two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown.
Apdihakem
49
Then we have got this diamond - A man who will be remembered he was 20 years at the peak not Ronaldinho who was a 5-6 year magic 😁 NO REGRETS AT ALL.