Ronaldo reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the 1997 move to the Nerazzurri

The Phenomenon revealed the details behind his move from Barcelona to the Nerazzurri in the summer of 1997. In an interview with the Catalan newspaper Sport, Ronaldo recounted how the negotiations that led to his departure from the Blaugrana unfolded.

“I was very happy in Barcelona. My agent was there and in the end they had reached an agreement. They called me saying: ‘Look, we’ve closed the deal. You’re staying at Barcelona with a new contract. We are very happy and so is Barcelona,’” the Brazilian explained.

The situation changed radically after a few days: “Three days later they called saying: ‘Look, we can’t proceed with this contract. If you have the chance to leave, just bring the money for the release clause and then you can go.’”

At that point the decision was inevitable. “I told them: ‘Look, I no longer feel comfortable staying at Barcelona because these people do not keep their word. So, I want to leave.’ Inter came forward. They paid Barcelona — I think it was 40 million euros at the time, a huge sum — and then I moved to Inter,” Ronaldo concluded.