Jamie Carragher reveals how Liverpool nearly signed Cristiano Ronaldo before Manchester United swooped in

Jamie Carragher recently opened up about a fascinating what-if in football history: Liverpool once had their eyes on Cristiano Ronaldo before he made his name at Manchester United.

Ronaldo’s Legendary Rise at Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey to global stardom began at Old Trafford, where he flourished under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. His time at United transformed him from a promising young talent into a world-class footballer. During his six years with the club, Ronaldo helped secure numerous victories, including the Champions League, three Premier League titles, and his first Ballon d’Or.

Carragher’s Admiration for Ronaldo and What Liverpool Lacked

Carragher, who witnessed Ronaldo’s rise firsthand, revealed that Liverpool could have signed the Portuguese superstar from Sporting Lisbon. He praised Ronaldo’s attacking abilities, highlighting that he was the kind of wide player Liverpool lacked during that era. Despite having world-class players in various positions, Carragher noted that the Reds never had a winger of Ronaldo’s caliber during his time at the club.

How Close Was Liverpool to Signing Ronaldo?

When asked about Liverpool’s near-miss with Ronaldo, Carragher shared that Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson thought they had secured the young talent. However, just as they believed the deal was close, news broke that Ronaldo had signed with Manchester United, leaving Liverpool to wonder what could have been.

Ronaldo’s Return to Manchester United and His Legacy

Ronaldo later made a return to Manchester United, but his second stint didn’t bring the same success as his first. After a season without silverware and a falling out with manager Erik ten Hag, Ronaldo’s contract was mutually terminated, bringing an end to his time at the club.

Carragher’s Reflections on The Overlap

Carragher shared these insights during an appearance on “The Overlap,” a show that gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at football’s biggest moments and personalities. His reflections on Ronaldo highlight just how different football history could have been if Liverpool had managed to sign the future superstar.

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