Liverpool were on the verge of signing Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 for a tiny 4million fee
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was at the start of his professional career at Sporting CP when he caught the eye of the Premier League champions and arch rivals Manchester United.
Ronaldo later sealed a move to Manchester United after the Red Devils agreed a £12.2m fee, three times Liverpool's offer under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson.
Some moments ago , sadly it was announced that the Portuguese forward has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of his national team's Nations' League tie with Sweden.
Reflecting on the tragic news, former Liverpool defender Phil Thompson went on to highlight how his former side were close to beating Europe's biggest clubs to the signing young Cristiano Ronaldo in 2003 before Manchester United gazumped them.
The Reds were first alerted to the Sporting CP starlet when he impressed in a game against Porto.
Phil Thompson who was the club assistant manager then, later went out to dinner with agent Tony Henry where they discussed the player's price tag.
"I can still remember Tony's exact words," Thompson told The Athletic . "It was all very nice and relaxed.
"It's £4 million and it can be paid over the four years of his contract, so £1 million a year".
"On the Tuesday morning, we were having lunch at the training ground and it came up on the yellow strap on Sky Sports, ' Manchester United have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2 million'.
"Gerard Houllier [ then Liverpool manager ] and myself almost choked on our food. I can remember Gerard jumping up and saying, 'What the hell has gone on there?'."
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