As you may have heard, Cristiano Ronaldo turned 40 the other night. You’d think this might be a moment for contemplative reflection. It was to an extent, with some a customary drive-by on his eternal rival Lionel Messi and the Philistines that dare consider the Argentinian the better footballer.

Cristiano Ronaldo has shared the untold story of how he nearly became teammates with Lionel Messi when FC Barcelona tried signing him 22 years ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who currently represents Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League after representing some of the world’s biggest football clubs, had recently declared himself as the greatest footballer of all time,