Jamie Carragher recalls Cristiano Ronaldo transfer story that made Liverpool bosses 'choke'

Jamie Carragher has recalled how Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson almost 'choked' after missing out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Liverpool legend recently revealled just how close Anfield came to welcoming the Portuguese great back in 2003, before they were ultimately snubbed for Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. Looking back to 2003, Carra revealed that Houllier, Liverpool's gaffer at the time, was in talks with Ronaldo's representative about a potential transfer from Sporting CP.

But despite discussions, Ronaldo ended up moving to Man United. During an episode of the Overlap podcast, where he was joined by ex-players Ian Wright and Gary Neville, Carragher reflected on what might have happened if Ronaldo had donned a different shade of red.

He said: "I would say Cristiano Ronaldo [is the player I most wanted to play with at Liverpool] and the reason I say that is because when he actually signed for United I think we were in for him. That was when Gerard Houllier and Phil Thompson - Phil Thompson tells the story that he thought we had him.

"He was speaking to the agent and before you know it, it breaks on Sky Sports News 'Ronaldo's gone to United' - and I think of what we lacked probably in the best teams I played in at Liverpool. I think we had world-class or great players in every position over a 10-year period, but I don't think we ever had a world-class wide player.

"Listen, we had the best in John Barnes, late eighties, but I think if you got through the nineties, I don't think we ever had a player of that ilk." Thompson has previously shared with The Athletic just how close Liverpool came to signing Ronaldo back in 2003 - recounting a dinner in Lisbon with Ronaldo's agent, Tony Henry, where they discussed the transfer details, reports the Mirror.

It seemed certain that Ronaldo would soon be donning the Merseyside red, but Sir Alex Ferguson swooped in and convinced him to join Manchester United instead. Thompson revealed his shock upon learning of Ronaldo's decision: "On the Tuesday morning, we were having lunch at the training ground and it came up on the yellow strap on Sky Sports, 'Manchester United have signed Cristiano Ronaldo for £12.2million'.

"Gerard and myself almost choked on our food. I can remember Gerard jumping up and saying, 'What the hell has gone on there?'" Despite Liverpool boasting top wingers like Harry Kewell, Luis Garcia, and Dirk Kuyt from 2000 to 2010, none could match Ronaldo's achievements at United.

Ronaldo scored 118 goals in all competitions for the Red Devils from 2003 to 2009, clinching three Premier League titles, two League Cups, an FA Cup, a Community Shield, and a Champions League before his record-breaking move to Real Madrid for £80 million. The superstar had a less than stellar return to his breakthrough club in 2021.

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Despite the hunger for goals still evident with 27 strikes during that period, it wasn't without its controversies, such as a fallout with new manager Erik ten Hag. His departure, by mutual consent, came in November 2022. Ronaldo said at the time: "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early.

"I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."

Liverpool, of course have went on to welcome a number of star forwards in the years since Carragher's retirement. Mohamed Salah has bagged 213 goals in 351 games for the club, while Sadio Mane scored 120 in 269 before making the move to Bayern Munich in 2022.

Meanwhile, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are currently tearing up the wings of Anfield in the 2024/25 campaign, Jota scoring in Liverpool's campaign opener against Ipswich, while Diaz netted against Brentford at the weekend. Ronaldo, meanwhile, currently crafts his trade at Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League at the age of 39.