Paul Scholes has spoken candidly about just how close Manchester United came to signing Brazilian legend Ronaldinho 17 years ago.
He ultimately agreed a deal to move to Barcelona from PSG, ending any speculation over what would have been an extraordinary move to Old Trafford.
A certain Cristiano Ronaldo made the move to Manchester just weeks later.
Scholes recalled on the BBC’s Savage Social podcast earlier this week that the deal was so close that a shirt number had even been agreed.
“He was away on pre-season and we were as close as announcing him and giving him a number but I think he ended up changing his mind at the last minute and signing for Barcelona.
It's strange really because we played Barcelona on that pre-season tour.
And although the former United midfielder played with many greats over the course of his career at the club, he acknowledged there was a lot of anticipation at the prospect of playing with Ronaldinho.
Brazil's Ronaldinho looks amazed after being sent off by Referee Felipe Rizo Ramos"We were all excited - Ronaldinho, what a player! I think he was coming from PSG at the time and we were all going to get to play with him and he's going to bring something special.
“Almost like what Eric Cantona brought to the team. Then, three days later, we're playing against him and all trying to kick him because he didn't sign for us.
“It was disappointing but I was lucky enough to play with some great players and he'd have just been another unbelievable player I'd had played with, but it just never happened.”
Ronaldinho no doubt inspired many other future United players, including Bruno Fernandes, who told the United official website about his idol.
“I have a lot of players I like to see. For example, in my first few years, the player I think is the one everyone liked and always will like is Ronaldinho. For me, he is the player with the capacity to take you and put you in front of the TV, and you will stay for hours. For hours!
"Because he had that energy and happiness. He was happy in everything he did. You enjoy it when you see guys playing like that, so for the first few years Ronaldinho was my favourite player.”
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