How Ronaldinho ‘tricked’ Brazil teammate Kleberson into joining Manchester United instead of Leeds United

Klberson has confirmed Brazil teammate Ronaldinho ‘tricked’ him into choosing Manchester United over Leeds United.

The duo were part of the Selecao World Cup squad who lifted the trophy in 2002, resulting in a number of top European clubs making offers to secure their services.

Kleberson was wanted by both Leeds and he Red Devils in the summer of 2003, but could not decide where to go.

Ronaldinho was also a wanted man by this point, with Man United and FC Barcelona showing a keen interest in the Paris Saint-Germain winger.

And the 40-year-old has admitted his international colleague promised him he was going to Old Trafford, only to stitch him up!

Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, he said: “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’ and I said, ‘OK, let’s go, then!’”

With David Beckham on his way to join the Galacticos at Real Madrid, Sir Alex Ferguson thought he was getting a world-class replacement in Ronaldinho. But, as everyone knows, he instead chose to move to sunny Spain.

And it is something Kleberson has not forgotten – even after 16 years.

“I was so glad that he would be coming with me,” he added.

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“I went back to Brazil and kept negotiating with United, but then Ronaldinho fooled me and went to play in the warm weather at Barcelona! He sent me to Manchester.

“That’s a joke between us until today. He knows that he owes me one.”

Kleberson went on to play 30 games and score two goals, while Ronaldinho won the 2005 Ballon d’Or and the Champions League the following season at Camp Nou.