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Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi could have played for Arsenal, says Arsene Wenger

Nominees for the Best FIFA football player, Barcelona and Argentina forward Lionel Messi (R) and Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) cha
Image: Arsene Wenger has revealed how close he came to signing Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi

Arsene Wenger says he could have signed both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi during his time managing Arsenal.

Wenger, whose 22-year reign in north London came to a close at the end of the season, has revealed how he tried to sign both superstars for the Gunners.

Ronaldo, instead, signed for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United before moving to Real Madrid.

Wenger's nearly XI
Wenger's nearly XI

The Arsenal XI Arsene Wenger has said he could have had...

Despite Wenger's best attempts he said he was unable to prise Messi from Barcelona, just as he did with a youth-team mate of his, Cesc Fabregas.

Wenger told the club's website: "The obvious player [Arsenal missed out on] that comes to mind is Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo takes on Nicky Butt in action for Sporting Lisbon against Manchester United in 2003
Image: Ronaldo in action for Sporting Lisbon against Manchester United in 2003

"He was here with his mother and we were very close. Then Man United came in and they had Carlos Queiroz at the time, who was their coach. United played against Sporting Lisbon and Ronaldo was outstanding and they signed him.

"Once we were at £4.5m, we were still in negotiations. David [Dein] met with [agent Jorge] Mendes in Paris and he was representing Sporting, so we were very close. But Man United went to £12m, which we could not afford at the
time.

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 during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Arsenal at John Smith's Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Huddersfield, England.
Image: Wenger ended his 22-year spell in charge of Arsenal this season

"I met Cesc's [Fabregas] parents and at the time we were interested in Messi and [Gerard] Pique as well. We tried for the three but of course, it didn't work out...because of the agents.

"With Messi, Barcelona didn't want to lose him of course and they made [the offer] that was needed to keep the player at the club."

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