Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has revealed that he came "very close" to buying a certain Premier League club, and admitted he regrets having not made the purchase.
A number of English clubs have been bought by new owners over the past five years, including Newcastle United, Southampton, and more recently, Chelsea.
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Former footballers buying clubs at various levels and in various countries has also become a common occurrence, with the latest example being former Blues striker and Senegal international Demba Ba, who recently confirmed that he has bought a second-tier side in his home country.
With ex-Real Madrid and FC Barcelona centre-forward Ronaldo already owning LaLiga mid-table team Real Valladolid and Brazilian top-flight outfit Cruzeiro, the former Selecao talisman was asked recently if he is looking at buying a third team in England.
In response, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner divulged that he could have bought London outfit Brentford almost half a decade ago, a missed opportunity he now rues.
"Before I bought Real Valladolid, I was looking around in Europe and actually was living in London for three years, and was looking at many opportunities in London," he said on ITV's Good Morning Britain breakfast show.
"I think it was a mistake not doing it, but for now it's too expensive."
Pressed on which clubs, he said: "I was very close to buying Brentford five or six years ago. I was very close to doing the deal.
"They are doing very well... but now I have two clubs, two problems, and I don't have any peace at weekends!"
The Bees have had some impressive moments since their return to England's top flight in the 2021/22 campaign, in which they finished 13th on the table with 46 points, ahead of the likes of Aston Villa, Southampton, and Everton.
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They are currently 11th on the EPL log after nine games this season, with arguably their most notable highlight so far being a 4-0 thrashing of Manchester United in August.
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