Cristiano Ronaldo almost signed with Milan in January 2018. The deal collapsed when the Chinese ownership group got cold feet.
What happened?
Milan's former sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli revealed that agreements had been reached with Real Madrid and Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes.
The opening approach was made at the Champions League final in Cardiff between Juventus and Real Madrid. Mirabelli met with Mendes and proposed the idea to Ronaldo.
Ronaldo found the proposal fascinating and was motivated by the prospect of winning the Europa League. He told Mirabelli, "I'll come to Milan, I've never done the Europa League and I'm coming to win it."
Cristiano Ronaldo's Europa League motivation
Ronaldo's motivation was not deterred by the absence of Champions League football. He wanted to win the Europa League and was very motivated.
Real Madrid's asking price was €100 million, with room to negotiate downward. Personal terms were agreed, and everything was in place.
What comes next?
The deal did not go through, and Ronaldo joined Juventus that summer for €0 million. This move reshaped Italian football for the following three years.
Mirabelli's account is extraordinary in its detail. He revealed that the Chinese ownership group pulled back, and the deal collapsed.
The revelation adds remarkable context to a deal that nearly happened. Ronaldo's motivation and the agreed-upon terms make for an interesting story.
Why it matters for Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo's near-signing with Milan is a significant event in his career. It shows his willingness to play in different leagues and compete for various titles.
The event occurred in January 2018, and the outcome was a significant change in Italian football. Ronaldo's move to Juventus had a lasting impact on the league.
The story is a testament to Ronaldo's dedication to winning and his desire to compete at the highest level. His motivation and drive are evident in his actions.
On June 23, 2026, Ronaldo scored his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Uzbekistan. This event is a reminder of his continued success and dedication to the sport.