Bengaluru, March 28: Brazil legend Ronaldinho has revealed just how close he came to signing for Manchester United and also the reason why he eventually snubbed them in favour of Barcelona. The Brazilian is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of the last two decades after a stunning career.

The Brazilian legend has admitted he was all set to become a Manchester United player as he approached the peak of his career, only to pull out at the last minute when Barcelona came calling.

Ronaldinho had become one of the hottest properties in world football in two dazzling years proving himself in Europe with Paris Saint-Germain. And Sir Alex Ferguson looked to have won the race for his services in 2003 when a fee and personal terms had been agreed upon to take the winger to Old Trafford. But that move collapsed at the last minute when elections at Barcelona saw Sandro Rosell become the club's president.

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Ronaldinho said: "It almost happened with United. It was a matter of 48 hours, but Sandro Rosell had told me way before I got the offer: "If I become Barca president, will you come?" I said yes.

"It was only a matter of details with United when Rosell called to say he was going to win the elections there. And I had promised to him that I'd play for Barca... It was a quick negotiation.

"I told the English I had chosen Barca. It was the right choice. Brazilians have always loved Barca. We have a history there. Off the pitch it is like nowhere else in Europe, so we are always happy playing there."

Ronaldinho's late change of heart meant Ferguson just missed out on the chance to unleash what could have been one of the most destructive attacking forces in Europe on the game.

In the same summer, Fergie forked out £12million to sign promising youngster Cristiano Ronaldo from Sporting, who then went on to become a footballing great.

Ronaldinho, now 38, also had another chance to move to the Premier League when he left AC Milan in 2011 as Blackburn made a bid for his services. But despite holding talks about a move to Ewood Park, he opted to make a return to Brazil to join Flamengo. He said, "About Blackburn: we talked to them, but I wanted to come back home to Brazil."