Wenger rues missing out on signing young Cristiano Ronaldo
What's the story
Former Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that missing out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo, as a youngster, is his biggest transfer regret at Arsenal. Wenger was keen on signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting but rivals Manchester United beat him to acquiring the Portuguese, who later turned out to be a winner of 5 Ballon d'Ors.
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Wenger regrets letting Manchester United sign Ronaldo
"The obvious player that comes to mind is Ronaldo. He was here with his mother and we were very close. Then Man United came in...United played against Sporting Lisbon and Ronaldo was outstanding and they signed him" Arsene Wenger said.
Prodigy
Ronaldo turned out to be Sir Alex's best signing
Cristiano Ronaldo spent six seasons with Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid in a world record transfer. The Portuguese ace has scored 84 goals in the Premier League while making 196 appearances for the Red Devils. The Portuguese marksman also won his first Ballon d'Or while playing for Manchester United in 2008.
Hindsight
Wenger admits signing Ronaldo could have changed history
Wenger, who spent 22 years with Arsenal, has recruited several young players during his tenure. But, according to him, the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo could have changed Arsenal and Premier League's history. Arsene Wenger dragged his negotiations with Sporting which gave Manchester United enough time to lure Ronaldo to Old Trafford for £12 million.
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Wenger was keen to have Ronaldo and Henry together
"You could imagine at the time what it would have been like to have Thierry Henry and Ronaldo together. Later United had Rooney, Ronaldo and van Nistelrooy together...That would certainly have changed a little bit the history of my stay here as well" Wenger concluded.