AC Milan was very close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2018. Former sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli revealed that agreements were made with both Real Madrid and the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes. However, the transfer collapsed when the Chinese ownership group withdrew their commitment.
Mirabelli shared specific details about the approach, which began at the Champions League final in Cardiff between Juventus and Real Madrid, where Milan representatives met with Mendes. “We put together this proposal, this idea, and Cristiano found it very fascinating,” Mirabelli stated.
He further explained Ronaldo’s reaction: “When we spoke, myself, Fassone, and also Gattuso, he said: ‘I’ll come to Milan. I’ve never done the Europa League and I’m coming to win it.'”
The prospect of winning the Europa League, rather than being deterred by the absence of Champions League football, was a significant motivator for Cristiano Ronaldo. Mirabelli elaborated, “He had built up an important motivation; he didn’t diminish the fact that he wasn’t coming to do the Champions League. He wanted to win the Europa League. He was very motivated.”
Real Madrid’s asking price was €100 million, with room for negotiation, and personal terms were agreed upon. “We had reached all the agreements, with Real Madrid, with Jorge Mendes regarding the player. It was all okay,” Mirabelli confirmed. “But then it didn’t go through. The Chinese pulled back.”
Ultimately, Cristiano Ronaldo joined Juventus that summer for €100 million, a move that significantly impacted Italian football for the subsequent three years.
English Translation:
AC Milan was very close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo in January 2018. Former sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli has revealed that agreements were reached with both Real Madrid and the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes. However, the deal ultimately fell through when the Chinese ownership group hesitated.
Mirabelli provided extraordinary detail about the pursuit. He recounted that initial contact was made at the Champions League final in Cardiff, where Milan officials met with Mendes. “We put together this proposal, this idea, and Cristiano found it very fascinating,” Mirabelli said.
He added, “When we spoke, myself, Fassone, and also Gattuso, he said: ‘I’ll come to Milan. I’ve never played in the Europa League and I’m coming to win it.'”
The revelation that Cristiano Ronaldo was highly motivated by the chance to win the Europa League, rather than being put off by the lack of Champions League participation, adds remarkable context to the near-deal. “He had a strong motivation; he didn’t see it as a negative that he wouldn’t be playing in the Champions League,” Mirabelli explained. “He wanted to win the Europa League. He was very motivated.”
Real Madrid’s asking price was €100 million, with room for negotiation, and personal terms were agreed. “We had reached all the agreements, with Real Madrid, with Jorge Mendes concerning the player. Everything was fine,” Mirabelli stated. “But then it didn’t happen. The Chinese backed out.”
Instead, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Juventus that summer for €100 million, a transfer that reshaped Italian football for the following three years.
