Jamie Carragher reveals just how close Liverpool were to signing Cristiano Ronaldo before he joined rivals Man United in 2003

Jamie Carragher has revealed how Liverpool narrowly missed out on Cristiano Ronaldo to rivals Man United during his time at Anfield.

Ronaldo became a Premier League legend at Old Trafford where he developed into a generational talent under Sir Alex Ferguson’s guidance, much to the dismay of Premier League opposition.

The 39-year-old developed into a world-class star at United before later moving to Real Madrid in a then record-breaking £80m transfer after six-years in England.

His rise to stardom at United coincided in the club wining the Champions League, three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and a first Ballon d’Or personal crown.

Carragher has long-admired Ronaldo’s career success and has revealed how the Portuguese superstar could have joined Liverpool before signing for United from boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.

Ronaldo became one of the world’s best during his formative years at Old Trafford while Carragher was at Anfield

The Liverpool icon also hailed Ronaldo’s attacking qualities where he spent the best years of his career and scoring over 700 senior goals, admitting that he was the type of player the Reds didn’t have at the time.

When asked about how close Liverpool were to beating United, Carragher said on the Overlap: ‘I would say Cristiano Ronaldo and the reason I say that is because when he actually signed for United I think we were in for him.

‘That was when Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson – Phil Thompson tells the story that he thought we had him. 

‘He was speaking to the agent and before you know it, it breaks on Sky Sports News ‘Ronaldo’s gone to United’ – and I think of what we lacked probably in the best teams I played in at Liverpool,’ he added.

Ronaldo later made a magical return to United where he starred during one season at the club

‘I think we had world-class or great players in every position over a 10-year period, but I don’t think we ever had a world-class wide player. 

‘Listen, we had the best in John Barnes, late eighties, but I think if you got through the nineties, I don’t think we ever had a player of that ilk.’ 

Ronaldo later made a magical return to United where he starred during one season at the club but failed to win any silverware upon his second stint in England.

His contract was then mutually terminated following a falling out with current Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag.

Jamie Carragher was speaking on the Overlap, brought to you by Sky Bet.