This was something very few people knew.
Many in the media often joked about Wenger's "almost signings," but in reality, Wenger's greatest regret wasn't missing out on Ibrahimovic, nor Yaya Toure, or anyone else.
Wenger's regret was from 2003, when he missed out on Ronaldo!
The truth was, Wenger had already reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon back then. Ronaldo was scheduled to travel to London to sign with Arsenal right after playing a friendly against Manchester United. His plane ticket had even been bought.
Wenger had even set aside the number 9 shirt specifically for Ronaldo.
But after that match, Ferguson swooped in.
He knew Wenger was about to sign Ronaldo and saw the young player's potential, so he didn't even leave Lisbon. Right then and there, he went through the agent, Mendes, reached an agreement with Sporting Lisbon, and signed the player directly, taking him to Manchester.
