The agent of Brazilian legend Ronaldo has revealed the striker once came close to joining Rangers following his exit from Barcelona back in 1997.

The Brazil superstar eventually opted for a switch to Inter Milan instead despite interest from the likes of Lazio and the Scottish club.

Ronaldo had netted a remarkable 34 league  goals in 37 matches for Barca in the 1996-97 season, claiming Fifa World Player of the Year Award in the process.  However, Ronaldo failed to agree new terms with the club.

Now, the player’s agent Giovanni Branchini, has opened up about his client’s Rangers offer.

‘The clause in his contract was a novelty at the time and it scared a lot of clubs off,’ Branchini said, reports Goal.

‘The three who were really interested were Inter, Lazio and Glasgow Rangers, who followed negotiations all the way. The offer from Glasgow Rangers was incredible,’ he added.

According to the terms of Ronaldo’s contract, the player would not have been required to play league fixtures for the Scots.

‘They told us he didn’t have to play on a Saturday in the Scottish league. They were desperate to win the Champions League and were going to allow him to play in the European matches only.

‘But Inter had followed him from when he used to play in Brazil. Barcelona reneged on a new contract and Inter were the first club to meet the release clause, so he went there,’ he concluded.

Photo: Ronaldo7.net.