Cristiano Ronaldo (40, Al Nassr) offered a joking "apology" for his past failed move to Arsenal. Reflecting on his ties with Manchester United (Man United), he also hinted at some regret about that choice.
Ronaldo spoke candidly about the Premier League title race and his past transfer decisions in an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan on the 4th (KST).
Especially when Morgan, well known as an Arsenal fan, asked, "Before moving from Portugal to Man United, did you come close to signing with Arsenal first?", Ronaldo reflected, "That's true. I was very close to Arsenal. There was only one step left," and laughed, "I'm sorry I didn't go to Arsenal. Please forgive me."
Ronaldo was on the verge of moving from Sporting CP to the Premier League in the summer of 2003. Arsenal, led by Arsène Wenger at the time, made initial contact, but ultimately Alex Ferguson's Man United completed the deal with Ronaldo.
Ronaldo later established himself as one of the top football stars with five UEFA Champions League titles and five Ballon d'Or awards at Manchester United and Real Madrid. In particular, he collected nine major trophies at Man United alone, including three Premier League titles and one Champions League title.
But Ronaldo showed mixed emotions looking back at that choice. He said, "Man United is still in my heart. I love that club. But honestly, right now Man United is not on a good path."
When Piers Morgan mentioned Man United manager Rúben Amorim, who played with Ronaldo on the Portugal national team, Ronaldo drew a firm line, saying, "He is doing his best. But miracles are impossible."
On the other hand, Ronaldo said about "Arsenal's chances of winning," "I think it's possible. The top Premier League teams are very similar in quality," and added, "The Premier League is an unpredictable league. It's really tough and fierce."
He also said, "But Man United already has too many points to make winning likely. There's a possibility, but I don't believe it. If it's Arsenal, then maybe it's possible," which angered Man United fans.
When Morgan urged him to "say it definitively that Arsenal will win the league," Ronaldo replied, "Yeah, Arsenal could win the league."
Fans interpret Ronaldo's remarks as showing that his bitterness toward Man United has not disappeared. In November before the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Ronaldo terminated his contract with Man United after conflicts with manager Erik ten Hag and the club leadership.
Practically, Arsenal, led by manager Mikel Arteta, are top of the league with 8 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss in 10 matches and 25 points, but they are 6 points ahead of second-place Manchester City. Since it's still early, it can be overturned. They are 8 points ahead of eighth-place Man United (17 points). Considering it's the start of the season, anything can happen until the end.
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