Ronaldinho to Manchester United was the signing the Old Trafford faithful craved back in 2003 – and the Brazilian has revealed just how close it was.
In the knowledge that David Beckham was on the brink of sealing a move away, then United boss Sir Alex Ferguson moved quickly to replace him and soften the blow.
Ronaldinho, who was at Paris Saint-Germain at the time, was at the top of the Scot's hitlist once United got wind of Barcelona's interest in Beckham.
But the England icon chose La Liga rivals Real Madrid and then Barca president Sandro Rosell quickly swooped for Ronaldinho – after the playmaker had spoken to United.