Emirates Stadium move stopped Gunners signing Cristiano Ronaldo

FIFA World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo didn't sign for Arsenal because the cost of the Emirates stadium meant they couldn't afford him.

The Real Madrid goal machine was scouted by the Gunners but Ronaldo eventually signed for Manchester United in 2003.

Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, said the hefty cost of Arsenal's new stadium put pay to any chance of him joining Arsene Wenger's side.

In his new book, The Key to Mendes, he says: "There was a moment in which I really thought he was going to Arsenal.

"David Dein is a spectacular person but, with the construction of their stadium, they were left with very little money and it wasn't possible."

"The only person key to everything was Alex Ferguson. He told me that Cristiano was going to play at least 50 per cent of the games for Manchester United.

"That's what I wanted to hear. That's why Cristiano went to Manchester United.

Ronaldo also recalls his visit to London well, saying: "We were travelling by car and Jorge was calling us constantly telling me to hide so no one would see me.

"We went to a service station and I hid my face. I remember back then that Jorge was going crazy, those were Jorge's craziest days."