Arsenal reportedly missed out on signing former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to former scout Damien Comolli (via SFR Sport).
The Premier League side, who currently third in the English top-flight standings having won their last five league outings on the trot, were understood to be in the running to land the Portugal international before his hugely successful switch to Old Trafford back in 2003.
Speaking to French TV station, SFR Sport, Comolli said, “The first time I saw Ronaldo, it was at the Montaigu tournament, he was 15.
Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.
“He came to the [Arsenal] training centre twice. Nobody knows that.
“He met Thierry Henry, who was his idol. But when it came to making the transfer, there was no money.”
It is understood that the current Real Madrid forward attracted interest from the Gunners and the Red Devils during his breakthrough at Sporting Lisbon, but the North London outfit were unable to reach an agreement, leaving the door open for former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson to lure the then highly-rated winger to The Theatre of Dreams.
Ronaldo went on to score 118 goals in 291 appearances for the Red Devils, securing three Premier League titles and one Champions League crowns with United.
