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Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to sign the Brazil legend from Barcelona 16 years ago.

In 2001, reports linked United with a move for Rivaldo, less than two years after he was crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or.

But a transfer to Old Trafford never materialised as the Red Devils failed to secure a deal.

At the time, Rivaldo claimed he was flattered by the apparent desire from Manchester United to sign him.

However, the World Cup winner admits he is still unsure how close he ever came to joining the Premier League giants.

"Well there was a lot talk when I was at Barcelona that the club were thinking of transferring me to England but I never had the opportunity,” Rivaldo said, speaking at Betsafe Star Sixes 2017.

“In all the newspapers in Barcelona there were rumours that a few agents were speaking to mine.

“I don’t know how true this is but the press said Manchester (United) were interested.

“I don’t know how true this was but it was in the papers."

It is no surprise United were chasing Rivaldo, as the former Barcelona superstar highlighted 1999 was when he really reached his pinnacle.

Rivaldo, 45, added: ”In 1999 I was considered the best player of the world and for me this is so important, I came from an incredibly poor family and to go to being the best player in the world is incredible.

“You can’t quite believe it and when it happens you start remembering when you were a small boy and yes I do think that this was the most important time of my life.

“You start off like millions of players and then become number one in the world, that’s impressive."

Rivaldo, Roberto Carlos and David James were speaking exclusively to Betsafe Star Sixes. For all the odds and betting markets on England vs Brazil, click here