Ronaldinho was close to joining Man City

The Brazilian instead joined Italian giants AC Milan.

“My brother spoke to Manchester City many times,” the 28-year-old told FourFourTwo magazine.

“Their project is the kind that would interest any player – they could soon be among the best sides in England.

“Lots of brilliant players are heading in their direction and yes, my brother looked properly at their offer.

“But Silvio Berlusconi [Milan owner] had been saying for years that he would like to sign me and I felt in the end that it was the right time to say yes.”