Liverpool turned down future Ballon d'Or winner before world record transfer
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Liverpool rejected the opportunity to secure Cristiano Ronaldo's signature over fears regarding their salary framework.
The Portuguese superstar would subsequently forge a five-time Ballon d'Or-winning legacy at Manchester United and Real Madrid, with the 69th edition of the prestigious award scheduled to be presented on Monday evening.
In 2003, a youthful Ronaldo ranked amongst Europe's most coveted talents, having established a sparkling reputation at Sporting CP.
Elite clubs pursued his services, with Sir Alex Ferguson's United ultimately securing the deal, acquiring Ronaldo for merely $16 million.
Come 2009, he departed Old Trafford for a then-record $108M fee, and more than 15 years on, Ronaldo stands as one of the finest soccer players ever to grace the sport.
Houllier passed up on Ronaldo because of wage concerns.
Ronaldo first won the award in 2008.
Up came the news United had signed Ronaldo from Lisbon
Ronaldo won his first Ballon d'Or while he was strutting his stuff with United in 2008, and after his record $108M move, he added four more to his cabinet in Madrid in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Only Lionel Messi, an eight-time winner, has claimed the award more times than Ronaldo