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'Manchester weather' caused Man Utd to miss out on Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho came close to signing for Manchester United  - Getty Images 
Ronaldinho came close to signing for Manchester United - Getty Images

Former Manchester United winger Quentin Fortune claims Manchester's wet weather prevented Ronaldinho from joining the club.

The Brazilian playmaker held talks over a proposed move to Manchester United while he was a PSG player in 2003.

In the end Barcelona pipped Sir Alex Ferguson and United to the Brazilian's signature and Ronaldinho went on to become one of the club's most iconic players.

Now Quentin Fortune, who was at the club during Manchester United's pursuit of Ronaldinho, has revealed how close the club came to completing a deal for the forward.

Ronaldinho  - Credit: Reuters 
Ronaldinho opted to sign for Barcelona over Manchester United in 2003 Credit: Reuters

"I think we got it wrong by bringing Ronaldinho in at the wrong time of year as it was raining that day he arrived at Manchester Airport. Maybe it was summer anyway but, if we’d have timed it with the right day, it could have been a different story. 

"It would have been absolutely amazing to have him here. He’s one of the greatest players ever to play football and entertained with his skill, fun and joy. 

"He brought it all and it will be a great occasion for everyone to play against him and watch him. I was very fortunate to play for South Africa against him in the Olympics in front of 72,000 fans but, when he was at Barcelona, he was a different Ronaldinho so I’m hoping we get a glimpse of that and I hope I won’t have to mark him!"

Man Utd - Credit: Reuters 
Ronaldinho grapples with Gary Neville whilst playing for Credit: Reuters

In the end, United signed Ronaldinho's fellow Brazilian Kleberson in an ill-fated £6.5 million move.

Fortune was speaking to Manchester United's official website as he continued his preparations for the Manchester United Legends vs Barcelona Legends event, which is due to take place on September 2.