10 Players Who Rejected Barcelona
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Sir Alex Ferguson really hates dealing with Real Madrid. Having sold them David Beckham, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Gabriel Heinze in the past, Ferguson spoke about the speculation surrounding Cristiano Ronaldo's seemingly impending move to the Spanish capital that he wouldn't even sell them a virus.
According to ex-Real Madrid president Roman Calderon, Ferguson tried to stick to his word, even after resigning himself to losing his prized asset, instead offering him to Barcelona - showing the lengths he would go to so as to maintain his pride, with the Catalans having just crushed Man United in the 2009 Champions League final. The Portuguese superstar, however, only had eyes for one club.
''In the few weeks, he tried to avoid him going to Real Madrid, offering him to Barcelona. Barcelona were very happy but in that moment but it was very crucial as Ronaldo said: I'm not going to any other club but Real Madrid. That's why we signed the deal. Everyone was happy: Manchester United got the £80 million, Real Madrid got the best player in the world and Cristiano got what he wanted because players like him are not only looking for money, they look for glory, and they look for anyone who is giving them that opportunity to win titles, to be the best in the world, to win golden boots. - Former Real Madrid president Roman Calderon, March 2014.
Messi and Ronaldo in one team? Give the rest of the world a chance. So, that's a wrap - what do you think? As always, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comment section below.