Juventus in Ronaldo revelation

Luciano Moggi has confirmed Juventus were close to signing Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal international revealed that Juve and Valencia were keen on buying him before he decided to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

Sports director Moggi admits the Bianconeri were interested in the tricky wide man, but only during his time in Lisbon with Sporting.

Chilean striker Marcelo Salas rejected the chance to head for Sporting in part-exchange and the deal was scuppered.

"Ronaldo was ours but Salas refused to go in exchange and we were forced to leave him to Manchester United," Moggi told Virgilio.

Salas, ironically, was once a target for Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson, and ended up joining River Plate when quitting Stadio delle Alpi.

Moggi also backed Alessandro Del Piero to continue in Turin, despite his comments regarding a future move to England prompting speculation regarding a move to Tottenham or Arsenal.

"He can still give us a lot," affirmed the Juve official.