Madrid Passed On Ronaldo

Last updated : 09 September 2007 By Editor

Real Madrid director Miguel Angel Portugal:

"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.

"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."