It has been revealed that a cash crisis in the lead up to the build of the Emirates Stadium cost Arsenal the capture of Cristiano Ronaldo.
According to The Mirror, the Gunners faced a financial meltdown before the completion of the £390m facility that almost lead to the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ not being paid.
The report suggests that one bank pulled the plug on a loan for the new stadium, leaving the Gunners to sell nearby land in order to gain the funding required to complete construction of the Emirates.
It meant Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger missed out on the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo despite the North London club being very much interested in the Portuguese ace.
The Mirror claims that Wenger knew the club could not afford the then Sporting Lisbon teenager, leaving the door wide open for Manchester United to make a swoop.
Ronaldo went to Arsenal’s training ground upon hearing of the Gunners’ interest, but United famously landed the signature of the now three-time Ballon d’Or winner.
SEE ALSO:
Real Madrid could move for £40m Chelsea & Man United target
Man United ace David de Gea set to face Liverpool following Louis van Gaal PEACE TALKS
Juventus ace Paul Pogba OPENS UP on Chelsea interest
COMMENTS