Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho Reuters

World Cup winner and former Manchester United midfielder, José Kleberson has revealed that he was "fooled" by Ronaldinho into joining the Threatre of Dreams.

Ronaldinho had promised his Brazilian teammate that he was also going to sign with Man Utd but the former backtracked on the promise and instead moved to FC Barcelona.

In 2003 summer, Man Utd were chasing the Brazil duo of Ronaldinho and Kleberson, who had been praised for his contribution in Brazil's World Cup triumph a year earlier. While Kleberson ended up joining Man Utd, for $8.7 million, Ronaldinho moved from PSG to Barca in a $34m deal.

The 40-year-old midfielder has not yet forgotten the fact that while he was stuck in Manchester, his Brazilian compatriot Ronaldinho was enjoying the warm weather in Barcelona.

"There were two clubs interested in signing me: Manchester United and Leeds. It was an easy choice, but there’s a funny story about it, too. When [Manchester] United’s interest in me was confirmed, I was with the national team in France for the FIFA Confederations Cup. I can remember it clearly: I was with Ronaldinho and his brother/agent, Assis. Ronaldinho said, 'They want to sign both of us.' I said, OK, let’s go, then! I was so glad that he would be coming with me. I went back to Brazil and kept negotiating with United, but then Ronaldinho fooled me and went to play in the warm weather in Barcelona!" Kleberson told FourFourTwo magazine.

"That’s a joke between us until today. He knows that he owes me one," the midfielder added.

The Brazilian duo had contrasting stints with their respective clubs. Ronaldinho clinched two back-to-back La Liga titles at Barca and the Champions League trophy as well. Kleberson, who was at Man Utd only because of the former, made only 20 appearances for the Red Devils before getting sold to Besiktas. Although, the midfielder got the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, whom Man Utd signed after losing Ronaldinho to Barcelona.

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