Former Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how close he was to signing for Premier League rivals Arsenal after leaving Sporting Lisbon.
The Portuguese earned a reputation as one of Europe's hottest prospects which made both United and Arsenal take note of his performances.
Both Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger were interested in luring the forward to their respective clubs, but it was the Red Devils who won the race for his signature.
During his interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo opened up on his failed move to the Gunners.
Questioned whether the rumours were true, he said: "It is true. Of course it is true."
Ronaldo was pressed into revealing how close he was to sealing the move.
He replied: "Very close. One step. Seriously.
"It didn't happen, but Arsenal, I appreciate what they did for me, especially Arsene Wenger. In football you never know where you are going to play, life is like that.
"But I appreciate Arsenal because it is a fantastic club and you support Arsenal. And now you support Juventus."
The interview was an emotional one for Ronaldo who broke down in tears on camera after being shown a video of his late father for the first time. Morgan showed the former United attacker a video of his late father Jose Dinis Aveiro who died of liver failure when he was only 52 years old talking about his son.
"I never saw the video. I never saw that video. Unbelievable," Ronaldo said as he wiped away tears from his face.
