One of Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Manchester United teammates has revealed there is a team he would never sign with despite receiving offers.
Patrice Evra is a close friend of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the pair won three consecutive Premier League titles together, as well as the Champions League in 2008.
Ronaldo’s first spell at United saw him join as an 18-year-old from Sporting CP for a fee of £12 million, before scoring 118 goals in 292 appearances and becoming one of the greatest players of all time following an £80 million switch. As continued its rise. For Real Madrid in 2009.
After three seasons with Juventus in Serie A, Ronaldo would look to make a dream return to United later in 2021, following interest from rivals City.
But according to Evra, Ronaldo had the opportunity to return to the Premier League three years ago – with the Frenchman claiming Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were ready for him in 2018.
Arsenal were reportedly well aware of Ronaldo when he was making waves as a young player, but according to Evra, he had no interest in joining the Gunners six years ago.
However, he is said to have been tempted to move to PSG before Juventus came calling.
“Did Cristiano ever want to come to PSG? Yes,” Evra told RMC Sport. Target,
“There was Paris, Arsenal… this was before signing for Juventus (in 2018).
“He had Chelsea, Juventus, Paris. He said he would never go to Arsenal. He was interested in the (Parisian) project.
“You can criticize Cristiano, but he must have adapted. He must have tried. Look what he is doing in Saudi Arabia. He is a Saudi!”
Cristiano Ronaldo has scored 16 goals in 19 matches. Image: Getty
Despite having no desire to sign for Arsenal, Ronaldo still has admiration for the north London side and said he would be happy to win the Premier League if not his old club.
“First Manchester, and if not, then Arsenal is a team I love to see play,” the Al Nassr star told Piers Morgan on Talk TV.
“I like the team. I like the coach. I think they have a good team. And if Manchester United doesn’t win the Premier League, I’ll be happy if Arsenal wins.”
The Portuguese superstar will turn 40 next year but Al Nassr is still in great form, scoring 16 goals in 19 matches this season.