‘Parma viewed him as the perfect replacement for Adrian Mutu, who’d left to sign for Chelsea. But Manchester United’s interest was much more concrete’: Cristiano Ronaldo's 2003 transfer details revealed by former Sporting director of football

Cristiano Ronaldo had a number of options available when he was leaving Sporting in 2003 - but Manchester United proved the best destination for him Cristiano Ronaldo had a number of options available when he was leaving Sporting in 2003 - but Manchester United proved the best destination for him