Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

Ronaldinho tricked me into Man Utd transfer declares Red Devils flop Kleberson

Kleberson claims he was tricked into joining Man Utd by fellow Brazil international Ronaldinho - who left him hanging at Old Trafford.

The pair were both targets for the Red Devils during the summer of 2003, just a year after their World Cup-winning exploits for their country.

Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Ronaldinho from PSG, but faced competition for his signature, while Kleberson had his pick of two Premier League clubs.

"There were two clubs interested in signing me: Manchester United and Leeds," Kleberson told FourFourTwo ( via Mail ).

Kleberson claims he was tricked into moving to Man Utd (Press Association)

"It was an easy choice, but there's a funny story about it, too.

"When [Manchester] United's interest in me was confirmed, I was with the national team in France for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

"I can remember it clearly: I was with Ronaldinho and his brother/agent, Assis. He said: 'They want to sign both of us' and I said, 'OK, let's go, then!'.

Ronaldinho (front left) and Kleberson (front right) played in the same Brazil side (Reuters)

Kleberson then signed on the dotted line for the Red Devils in a £6.5 million switch, on the same day the club signed one Cristiano Ronaldo .

But he was not joined by Ronaldinho, who snubbed United in favour of a move to Spain.

"I was so glad that he would be coming with me," Kleberson added.

"I went back to Brazil and kept negotiating with United, but then Ronaldinho fooled me and went to play in the warm weather at Barcelona ! He sent me to Manchester."

Ronaldinho became a huge hit at Barca, winning numerous titles and earning the Ballon d'Or award in 2005.

Meanwhile Kleberson managed just 30 appearances for United in two seasons before being sold to Besiktas.

"That's a joke between us until today," Kleberson said. "He knows that he owes me one."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.