Cristiano Ronaldo has been at the centre of the footballing world this week following his interview with Piers Morgan.
The Portuguese forward had plenty of strong things to say on several topics including Manchester United, managers and former teammates.
One of the things which stood out from the interview was his comments on his failed move to Manchester City.
Ronaldo claimed he was close to joining the Premier League champions only to reject them in favour of a return to Old Trafford.
But that’s not quite what happened according to Man City and here is their side of the story…
Man City respond to Ronaldo’s claims
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo dejected at the end of the match during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. Picture date: Saturday August 13, 2022. 2JNTFXP Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo dejected at the end of the match during the Premier League match at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford. Picture date: Saturday August 13, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
ESPN report that Manchester City are denying Ronaldo’s claims that he was close to a move.
But the 37-year-old said in the interview that a move was ‘close’ and that only following an intervention from Sir Alex Ferguson did he decide not to move to the Etihad.
Man City had been trying to sign a striker that same summer as they also made a move for Harry Kane.
But following their lack of a realistic offer to Spurs, it seems clear that they were just exploring their options with Erling Haaland in the back of their minds.
Given Haaland’s release clause and link to the club, their interest in Kane and Ronaldo at that time was unlikely to be too serious.
Cristiano Ronaldo tells Piers Morgan he was “close” to signing for Manchester City.
“The heart was speaking loud in that moment.”
Watch live: https://t.co/MmPz7ALHHl@cristiano | @piersmorgan | @TalkTV | #90MinutesWithRonaldo | #PMU pic.twitter.com/r7bI6KeZCb
— Piers Morgan Uncensored (@PiersUncensored) November 16, 2022
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