Paul Scholes has revealed how Manchester United players reacted to Ronaldinho’s decision to sign for Barcelona.
The Old Trafford club came close to signing the Brazilian before he left PSG to join Barcelona in 2003.
According to the Manchester United’s legend, his teammates were angry with Ronaldinho immmediately after he signed for Barcelona instead of the Red Devils, saying “three days later, we’re playing against him and all trying to kick him because he didn’t sign for us.”
“I remember two or three that were possibly coming,” he said in quotes carried by the Manchester Evening News. “I think the one that stands out is Ronaldinho. I can’t remember what year it was but I really think the manager got him.
“He was away on pre-season and we were as a close as announcing him and giving him a number but I think he ended up changing his mind at the last minute and signing for Barcelona.
“It’s strange really because we played Barcelona on that pre-season tour. We were all excited – Ronaldinho, what a player! I think he was coming from PSG at the time and we were all going to get to play with him and he’s going to bring something special.
“Almost like what Eric Cantona brought to the team then three days later, we’re playing against him and all trying to kick him because he didn’t sign for us.
“It was disappointing but I was lucky enough to play with some great players and he’d have just been another unbelievable player I’d had played with but it just never happened.”