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'Ronaldo would have joined AC Milan' - Ownership issues prevented deal, says Mirabelli

The Rossoneri's former sporting director claims the Portuguese was on the brink of signing before those in charge at the time blocked a big-money move

Cristiano Ronaldo would be an AC Milan player if the incumbent owners had been in charge earlier in the close-season, according to former sporting director Massimiliano Mirabelli.

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo ended an illustrious nine-year stay at Real Madrid when he completed a €112 million (£100m/$127m) switch to reigning Serie A champions Juventus last July.

However, Mirabelli claims the Portugal superstar was ready to complete a move to San Siro until Li Yonghong's ill-fated regime blocked the deal prior to hedge fund Elliott Management assuming control of the club .