Former Manchester United and French national team player Patrice Evra has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo nearly joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2018, potentially forming a legendary partnership with Lionel Messi.
In an interview with French channel RMC, Evra, a former teammate of Ronaldo’s at Manchester United, disclosed Ronaldo’s consideration of a move to PSG following his departure from Real Madrid: “Did Cristiano ever want to come to PSG? Yes. That was before signing with Juventus.”
Evra elaborated on Ronaldo’s options at the time: “He had the option to go to Chelsea, Juventus, and Paris, because he said he would never go to Arsenal. And he was interested in the Parisian project.” Ultimately, Ronaldo chose a €117 million transfer to Juventus.
A potential dream team
Had Ronaldo joined PSG, he would have played alongside Messi (who joined PSG in mid-2021), Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Sergio Ramos, forming an incredibly star-studded team.
Evra defended Ronaldo’s potential to adapt to the PSG environment: “They can criticize Cristiano, but he would have adapted. He would have made an effort. Look at what he’s doing in Saudi Arabia. He is a Saudi now.” This highlights Ronaldo’s ability to integrate into new cultures and teams.
Patrice Evra’s revelation sheds light on a previously unknown aspect of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career. The possibility of Ronaldo joining PSG and forming a team with Messi, Neymar, Mbappé, and Ramos would have been a truly remarkable moment in football history. While it didn’t happen, the anecdote highlights the ambition of both players and the potential for unexpected partnerships in the world of professional football.
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $7.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season