Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed how close he came to signing for Arsenal. The recently crowned European Footballer of the Year admitted he seriously considered a move to London after Arsene Wenger made his interest known before completing his move to Old Trafford back in 2003.

United paid £12.24 million to Sporting Lisbon for the teenager and he has blossomed in to one of the best players in the world, proving pivotal as United became champions of both England and Europe last season.

"I was just an inch away from signing for Arsenal," said Ronaldo. "I saw Arsene Wenger three times with my mother."