Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher has recalled that Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo almost joined the club.
According to him, Ronaldo almost made a move to Anfield before he signed for Manchester United in 2003.
Carragher said that Liverpool were in contact with Ronaldo’s agents, but were left shocked when his last-minute move to Manchester United was announced.
An 18-year-old Ronaldo helped Sporting CP beat Manchester United 3-1 in the preseason friendly in August 2003.
He tantalized and terrorized the Red Devils’ defenders and caught the eye of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Recalling the incidents that occurred in the lead-up to the transfer saga, Carragher said (via Express), “I would say Cristiano Ronaldo (is the player I most wanted to play with) and the reason I say that is because when he actually signed for United I think we were in for him… Phil Thompson tells the story that he thought we had him.
“He was speaking to the agent and before you know it, it breaks on Sky Sports News – ‘Ronaldo’s gone to United’ – and I think of what we lacked probably in the best teams I played in at Liverpool.
“I think we had world-class or great players in every position over a 10-year period, but I don’t think we ever had a world-class wide player.”
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