Yesterday, the first part of the interview given by Cristiano Ronaldo to Piers Morgan was broadcast. The Portuguese explained in particular that he was close to signing for Manchester City in the summer of 2021. « Honestly, I was close to joining City. I talked a lot with them as Guardiola said. They tried to get me but with my history, my heart and what I did before at United, it was not possible. It made the difference and of course Ferguson too. I was surprised but it was a conscious decision. The heart has spoken. My relationship and my past with United was key. I mightn’t have been loyal without it. I do not regret on some points. Ferguson was the key, I discussed with him. He told me it was impossible to play at City and I said OK Boss. It was a good decision.”
Statements that have not gone unnoticed in England, especially on the side of Manchester City. According to Daily Mail, the residents of the Etihad Stadium were very surprised by the release of CR7, especially since according to them he is not telling the exact truth. According to the team trained by Pep Guardiola, it was not the Portuguese player but them who put an end to the discussions. They would have withdrawn, they who, like Thomas Tuchel last summer at Chelsea, felt that recruiting him was not a good idea and that it would be a “unnecessary distraction in a locker room full of stars“. Difficult to know who is telling the truth.
Raised eyebrows at Manchester City over Cristiano Ronaldo’s claims. Doesn’t tally with their recollection. Told decision to withdraw was theirs, not his. Similar to Tuchel’s later stance at Chelsea. A distraction not needed in a dressing room already packed with winners. #mcfc
— Mike Keegan (@MikeKeegan_DM) November 17, 2022