Ronaldo Nearly Joined Barcelona Amid Financial Constraints

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he was close to joining FC Barcelona from Sporting Lisbon before moving to Manchester United in 2003. Barcelona had shown interest in him, but Manchester United acted quickly to secure his signing, with the then Barcelona president, Joan Laporta, confirming the club's interest but citing financial constraints due to other signings. This revelation is surprising given Ronaldo's legendary rivalry with Barcelona during his time at Real Madrid, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer. Ronaldo's potential move to Barcelona would have seen him play alongside Lionel Messi, altering one of football's greatest rivalries. Ronaldo's career choices ultimately shaped a distinctive era in football history, especially his battles with Messi in El Clasico.