Arsene Wenger: 'Missing out on signing Cristiano Ronaldo still hurts'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that failing to sign Cristiano Ronaldo as a teenager is his biggest regret.

The Frenchman has revealed that as Arsenal boss he had the chance to sign the Portuguese star, who has gone on to become one of the world's best footballers.

Ronaldo signed for Manchester United as a teen before moving on to Real Madrid for a then-world record fee of £80m in 2009.

In an interview with Arsenal sponsors Huawei, Wenger said: "My biggest regret, I was so close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo, and not only did I not get him, he signed for Manchester United, so that of course still hurts today."

Widespread reports have claimed that Ronaldo is considering a return to United because he has become disillusioned with life in Madrid.