Fortune: Sunnier weather could have persuaded Ronaldinho to join Manchester United
Quinton Fortune is spending some time reflecting on what could have been at Manchester United.
Speaking ahead of the game between Manchester United Legends and Barca Legends, Fortune thought about the rainy day on which Ronaldinho arrived at Manchester Airport and said "things could have been different" had there been a little of sunshine. Sir Alex Ferguson came close to sign the childlike genius in 2003, but Barcelona ultimately won the Brazilian phenom's signature, acquiring the footballer from Paris Saint-Germain for €30 million.
According to a study conducted by the Guardian's Alfie Yarmouth, there's rain in Manchester on 53 percent of the days in a year.
"I think we got it wrong by bringing Ronaldinho in at the wrong time of year as it was raining that day he arrived at Manchester Airport," Fortune told United's official website. "Maybe it was summer anyway but, if we'd have timed it with the right day, it could have been a different story.
"It would have been absolutely amazing to have him here. He's one of the greatest ever to play football and entertained with his skill, fun and joy. He brought it all and it will be a great occasion for everyone to play against him and watch him. I was very fortunate to play for South Africa against him in the Olympics in front of 72,000 fans but, when we was at Barcelona, he was a different Ronaldinho so I'm hoping we get a glimpse of that and I hope I won't have to mark him!"
Fortune and Ronaldinho will clash on Friday at the Camp Nou, as the two teams of legends play the first of a two-game series.