Ronaldo had Trial at Arsenal
It seems that we have Carlos Queiroz, the much maligned Manchester United assistant Manager to thanks for Cristiano Ronaldo coming to United!
Though Arsene Wenger refused to make unnecessary stories by telling the Press any more, it seems he had Cristiano Ronaldo on trial ahead of his big money move to United that is looking like fantastic value at £12m!
Aged just 17, Cristiano Ronaldo joined United after a bid to sign Brazilian legend Ronaldinho went wrong courtesy of our 'best' negotiator Peter Kenyon (now at Chelsea despite claiming to be a Reds fan for all those years!)
With Fergie getting the bragging rights having signed one of the World's Greatest players (EVER!), Arsene Wenger was looking to make sure he got some of the credit.
Wenger said: "He was here much earlier - he could tell you that if he wants.
"Manchester United had a partnership with Sporting Lisbon when United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz moved and that made it very difficult."
Wenger refused to elaborate any further when questioned about Ronaldo's time with Arsenal. "I don't want to create any story that isn't needed," the Frenchman told BBC football correspondent Jonathan Legard.
Would Cristiano Ronaldo have been as much of a success at Arsenal?
We think Man Utd and Cristiano are practically made for each other - Arsene "wouldn't have seen" any of the dives that Ronaldo first started off doing, would have had to force Ljungberg or Pires out at their peak, and isn't the same father figure as Fergie is.
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