Cristiano Ronaldo Reveals He Was Close To Joining Manchester City

Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he was “close” to joining Manchester City last summer before ultimately deciding to return to Manchester United.

When it became apparent that the Portugal international would be leaving Juventus for greener pastures, the Citizens were strongly linked with him.

However, Manchester United stepped in at the last minute to lure him back to Old Trafford, and Ronaldo revealed that the club’s legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson was instrumental in the move.

“Well, honestly, it was close… but as you know, as my history is Manchester United. Your heart, you’re feeling the way these two that you did before, make the difference. And of course, as well, Sir Alex Ferguson,” Ronaldo told Piers Morgan in his interview on TalkTV.

“So I was surprised. And the same way, but it was a conscious decision. Because the heart speaks, speaking loud in that moment.

“I think it was the key (Ferguson). It was the difference in that moment. I wouldn’t say that Manchester City wasn’t close. But I think, I did [make] a conscious decision. Sir Alex Ferguson was the key.

“Yes, I did. I spoke with him… He said to me that, ‘It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City’. And I say, ‘OK, Boss’.”

See Also: Cristiano Ronaldo Should Never Play For Man United Again- Erik Ten Hag

Ronaldo also opened up on his second debut for the club against Newcastle United, when he scored twice in a 4-1 victory over the Magpies at Old Trafford.

“Well, that feeling was amazing. But not only the day of the game, I felt in the week before that everything changed,” he said.

“The world spoke about me, Cristiano, ‘back home back where I belong’. So it was a special moment to be back to Manchester United to perform for our fans, and of course to score two goals was the best welcome that I received in Old Trafford.

“It was a memorable day and unbelievable day. Yes, ‘Viva Ronaldo’ [the chant], me back… as I told you before, the fans for me, they are everything.”

The second half of Ronaldo’s interview with Morgan will air Thursday night.