LIVE TV
India
Recommended Stories
Star footballer and Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo revealed that he was close to signing for bitter rivals Manchester City last year. However, former manager Alex Ferguson asked him not to do so.
As per Ronaldo, Ferguson persuaded him to re-join United for a second spell when he moved from Juventus in August 2021 on a two-year deal, returning to the club where he won eight major trophies from 2003-2009.
“Well, honestly, it was close. It is something they spoke about a lot and (Manchester City manager Pep) Guardiola said two weeks ago, I guess, that they tried hard to have me,” Ronaldo told Piers Morgan in an interview, the first part of which was aired on Wednesday.
“But as you know, as my history was in Manchester United, your heart, your feeling... make the difference. And of course, as well, Sir Alex Ferguson. I was surprised. But it was a conscious decision. Because the heart speaks, speaking loud at that moment,” said the star footballer.
Ronaldo further said that Ferguson’s intervention helped him make up his mind to join United.
“I think it was the key. It was the difference in that moment, but I cannot be loyal if I will, I wouldn’t say that Manchester City wasn’t close. I spoke with Ferguson. He said to me that it’s impossible for me to come to Manchester City,” he added.
Notably, in the interview published on Sunday, Ronaldo said that United had betrayed him and alleged he was being forced out of the club. The Portugal forward also said United did not support him when his daughter was taken to hospital in July, doubting him and showing a lack of empathy when he did not arrive on time for pre-season training.
