Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo [ Images ] was poised to join Arsenal [ Images ] before Manchester United [ Images ] offered three times as much money, the Ballon d'Or winner said in an interview published Friday.

"I was within an inch of [joining Arsenal]," Ronaldo told France [ Images ] Football. "I have a lot of respect for (manager Arsene) Wenger, he is a very clever man."

• Ronaldo a worthy winner

Ronaldo, who inspired United to the Champions League [ Images ] and Premier League double this year, was awarded the Ballon d'Or on Tuesday after a poll of 96 international journalists organised by France Football. He joined United from Sporting Lisbon [ Images ] in 2003.

"I think I have gone down in history. And I am only 23," Ronaldo said.

"But I think I have to work even more. I never relax...I want to do as much next year and even more.

"Since I arrived at Manchester United, I have always improved year after year. I have always achieved something more season after season...I want more titles, more awards and another Ballon d'Or."

Ronaldo also denied he was a diver.

"You know Hercules? He was hefty and muscular but sometimes he fell," Ronaldo said.