As a result, United paid £12.24million for him, making him the most expensive teenager in English footballing history.
However, the superstar admitted that he was close to joining Arsenal prior to the move to Manchester.
Arsene Wenger has famously claimed that he tried to sign Ronaldo [among many other great players], and the Portuguese sensation was full of praise for the French manager.
“It’s true, of course, it’s true,” Ronaldo said when asked if the story of him nearly joining Arsenal was true.
Cristiano Ronaldo nearly joined Arsenal (Image: ITV)
Cristiano Ronaldo admitted he nearly joined Arsenal before joining Manchester United (Image: GETTY)
“I was with Arsene. One step away.
“[Arsenal are] A fantastic club.
“It didn’t happen, but Arsenal I respect what they did for me, especially Arsene Wenger.
“You know with football, you never know where you’re going to play.
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Piers Morgan gifted Ronaldo an Arsenal shirt with 'Ronaldo 7' on the back of it (Image: ITV)
“Life is like that, especially with football.
“I respect Arsenal because I respect football.”
Ronaldo was left in stitches when Morgan, an Arsenal fan, presented him with an Arsenal shirt with Ronaldo 7 printed on the back.
“It’s a good club, thank you for the shirt,” he joked. “I will keep it in a special place.”