Cristiano Ronaldo‘s agent Jorge Mendes has revealed the reason behind the Sporting starlet choosing to join Manchester United in 2003 saying the Red Devils were the only club who did not intend to send him straight back out on loan.
Arsenal were also interested in the Portuguese winger, but Mendes revealed that a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson and assurances over playing time was pivotal in Ronaldo’s decision.
Here’s what Mendes said: “I’ve always maintained that the coach is, in the end, the most important component in any transfer.
“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.”
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Ronaldo went on to make 292 appearances for United, scoring 118 goals, before joining Real Madrid for a then world record £80m transfer fee.
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
