Football News

Not signing Ronaldo my biggest regret: Wenger

Not signing Ronaldo my biggest regret: Wenger


Cristiano Ronaldo news

Arsene Wenger admits not signing Cristiano Ronaldo was a huge mistake

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger rues missing out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo as a teenager back in 2003.

The Portuguese international joined Manchester United from Primeira Liga side Sporting CP in 2003 and went on to make 196 league appearances for the Red Devils scoring on 84 occasions.

He won the Premier League thrice and also had a Champions League victory to his name during his time at Old Trafford before he joined Spanish giants Real Madrid in 2009.

However Wenger admits that one of his biggest transfer window regrets was not signing the young forward when he had the chance and insists that Ronaldo joining their English rivals only made matters worse.

“My biggest regret, I was so close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo”, the Frenchman was quoted as saying by ITV. “And not only did I not get him, but he signed for Manchester United. “That, of course, still hurts today”, the 64-year-old added.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner has played 167 times for the Whites in La Liga and has netted the ball on 179 occasions.

He also has 114 international caps to his name with 50 goals and led the team to the semi-finals of the Euro 2012.