CRISTIANO RONALDO has admitted he was on the verge of joining Arsenal before Manchester United came in for him.

In an interview with Gunners fan Piers Morgan for ITV, the Juventus star spoke of how he was just “one step” away from putting pen to paper in North London.

Back in 2003, Ronaldo was impressing at Sporting Lisbon and was given the opportunity to sign for Arsenal.

But a determined Sir Alex Ferguson ensured he got his man and the Portuguese winger went on to win three Premier League titles and a Champions League at Old Trafford.

When asked if he almost signed for Arsenal, Ronaldo admitted: “It’s true.

“Very close. One stop, incredible. Seriously.

Gunners mad presenter Morgan pressed the 34-year-old for an apology while telling him how it broke his heart that rivals United secured his services.

And Ronaldo obliged, joking: “I want to apologise, okay.

“Forgive me for not joining Arsenal.”

Morgan went one step further with an Arsenal shirt for Ronaldo to keep, which he called a “classic” with his name on the back.

“This is what should have happened, it’s what I’ve dreamed of for the last 16 years,” said the presenter.