The Al-Nassr veteran was close to joining Arsene Wenger's Arsenal before Sir Alex Ferguson and United swooped for the then Sporting CP teen.
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Ronaldo said on the Piers Morgan show: "Honestly, when I look at Arsenal, I don't see them as a rival; I almost ended up there. So I won't say I have a passion for the club.
"But when I look at Arsenal, I like the team, and I like it when they win because of that history."
On missing a move to the Gunners, Ronaldo recalled: "But you know, in life and in football, it's all about opportunities and moments. There was the chance to sign for Manchester United and I took it.
"But, to be honest, I was almost an Arsenal player."