Cristiano Ronaldo joined Manchester United in 2003 but a move to Arsenal was on the cards as well, as Arsene Wenger admitted last year.
Jorge Mendes, an agent who still works for the forward, has explained why he advised the then-18-year-old to sign the contract with the Red Devils.
"I’ve always maintained that the coach is, in the end, the most important component in any transfer," Mendes said as cited by the Independent.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is a perfect answer. Every club wanted him, but they all wanted him to have another season loaned back to Sporting.
"The only person who seemed willing to take him on immediately was Sir Alex Ferguson and, at that time, I had no doubt it was the best solution.
"My decision, made without a second thought, was that Manchester United was the ideal club for him."
Here are stats from Cristiano's arguably best season in the Prem. Simply fantastic:
We know that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was very close to Arsenal but the forward himself has never revelead why he decided against joining Arsene Wenger's side. Well, now we know.
However, Cristiano Ronaldo finally donned the Gunners' shirt last September, when Piers Morgan gave it to the Portuguese.
The Portuguese spent six fruitful years at Old Trafford before moving to Real Madrid in 2009. Now, he is at Juventus, playing with Aaron Ramsey under Maurizio Sarri's guidance.
There are so many players that could have joined Arsenal but decided against it for various reasons. Here is a list of 10 footballers who were close to moving to North London, including the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Leo Messi.
