In an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan, football legend Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed long-standing rumors that Arsenal was the London club he was moments away from signing with before ultimately moving to Manchester United.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that the prospect of playing for the North London club was very real “many years ago,” before Manchester United swooped in.
“It’s true story. I was close to joining Arsenal many years ago… but it’s the past,” Ronaldo confessed.
Admiration for the Gunners
Ronaldo, who became a fierce rival of Arsenal during his successful spells at Old Trafford, revealed that he still holds the club in high regard.
“Honestly, when I look at Arsenal, I’m always looking at them not like a rival. I like the team, I like them!”
This surprising admission has reignited discussions among fans about what might have transpired if the then-teenage Ronaldo had worn the red and white of North London instead of Manchester United’s iconic colors.
Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has previously confirmed the club’s strong interest in signing Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon, only for the deal to collapse after Ronaldo’s impressive friendly performance against United in 2003 led Sir Alex Ferguson to secure his signature quickly.
Ronaldo’s admiration for Arsenal comes as the club continues to rebuild under Mikel Arteta, competing at the top of the Premier League and playing an attractive style of football that seems to have won over even one of their former rivals.
Cristiano Ronaldo also thinks Arsenal will win the Premier League this season:
Does Cristiano Ronaldo think Arsenal will win the Premier League this season?
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📺 https://t.co/tL9iaAjcNS@piersmorgan | @cristiano pic.twitter.com/5gYitapvrk
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 4, 2025
Source: Africa Publicity
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