The winger was on the verge of signing for Real in 2000, according to a leading Bernabeu director.

Miguel Angel Portugal said: "When Ronaldo was 14 we had the option to do a deal.

"But it was the era of the Galacticos, where we only signed big-name and established players. It was seen as more important to take those names than bet on younger players coming good."

Ronaldo went to Sporting Lisbon and then joined United for £12.6million in 2003. And Portugal admitted he regrets the opportunities that were missed by Madrid.

He added: "We could have had Ronaldo and it was the same with Messi. Unfortunately we are the ones that suffer and we regret we missed out on these players."