‘I felt joy when I signed, not pressure’: What Ronaldinho said about Barca transfer as United move collapsed

It’s not a secret that Ronaldinho was a cherished transfer target for many ahead of his epic Barcelona switch.

In 2014, the legendary Brazilian revealed what it’s like to snub Manchester United and join Barcelona instead.

“I was almost on my way to Manchester United and only the details needed to be put onto that deal. But at the last minute, [Sandro] Rosell called me to tell me they would win the election. That made everything happen fast.

“I wanted to play in Barcelona. When I signed, I didn’t feel pressure, I felt joy. I had the chance that all of the players wanted, to play in a great club like Barcelona.

“I had the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of my idols. I was proud to play where Romario, Ronaldo and Rivaldo had played and I had the chance to be Barcelona’s new ‘R’. I loved that.”

Just to clear the air, Sandro Rosell was the senior adviser of Joan Laporta, the club’s president, at that time. Ronaldinho was friends with Sandro.

In 5 years at Barca, the forward made 207 appearances for the club scoring 94 goals and picking up 71 assists.

He also helped the Catalans win 2 La Liga trophies and one Champions League title; the Brazilian retired from professional football in 2015.