Ronaldinho explains United snub
The Brazilian star had looked set for Old Trafford, but Barcelona's last minute swoop took the player from Paris Saint Germain to La Liga.
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his disappointment at missing out on the player, and it appears that Barca's history with Brazilians swung the deal.
"I wanted to go to Barcelona and follow in the footsteps of the great Brazilians who have played there in the past - players like Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldo," said Ronaldinho.
"I want to be a big star and I have a better chance of being a big star with Barcelona.
"I will prefer the lifestyle in Barcelona, the way of life and the climate, too. It is not a good climate in Manchester."