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Arsene Wenger reveals JUST how close Cristiano Ronaldo came from joining Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 as the former Gunners boss admits the Portuguese superstar 'had the shirt' before Manchester United swooped in

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has revealed how Cristiano Ronaldo 'had the shirt' after the club agreed a deal to sign the teenager before they were beaten to his signature by Manchester United.

The Portuguese superstar was just a teenager when he moved to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon for £12.5million in 2003, but the forward had held talks about signing for the Gunners.

Wenger has previously spoken of persuading the future superstar's mother about a move to Arsenal, but now he has shed light on the transfer saga - admitting Ronaldo 'had the shirt' after reaching an agreement with Sporting.