Kleberson has revealed he was tricked into joining Manchester United by Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.

The former midfielder has claimed he was told by Ronaldinho that he would also be joining the Reds Devils but opted to sign for Barcelona instead in 2003.

Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine, Kleberson revealed all the details of Ronaldinho's conversation with him as he was struggling to decide whether to join Manchester United or Leeds.

Kleberson has revealed he was tricked into joining Manchester United by Ronaldinho in 2003

Ronaldinho (bottom left) and Kleberson (bottom right) played for Brazil together in 2003

'There were two clubs interested in signing me: Manchester United and Leeds,' he said.

'It was an easy choice, but there's a funny story about it, too.

'When [Manchester] United's interest in me was confirmed, I was with the national team in France for the FIFA Confederations Cup.

'I can remember it clearly: I was with Ronaldinho and his brother/agent, Assis. He said: "They want to sign both of us" and I said, "OK, let's go, then!".

Kleberson joined the Red Devils for £6.5million but failed to make an impact at Old Trafford

Meanwhile, Ronaldinho snubbed his friend to join Barcelona instead and became a legend

Kleberson went to Old Trafford for £6.5million alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined from Sporting Lisbon.

However, Kleberson failed to impress in Manchester and left after two seasons for Turkish side Besiktas with 30 matches played and just two goals scored.

'I was so glad that he would be coming with me,' Kleberson said on the 2005 Ballon d'Or winner.

'I went back to Brazil and kept negotiating with United, but then Ronaldinho fooled me and went to play in the warm weather at Barcelona! He sent me to Manchester.

The 40-year-old sees the funny side of his friend's trickery and added: 'That's a joke between us until today. He knows that he owes me one.'