Portugal and Manchester United star striker Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed he was close to signing for Manchester City last year but was told not to by former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Ronaldo said Ferguson convinced him to return to United, who have not won a league title since the former left in 2013. Ronaldo returned to United from Juventus, signing a two-year contract. During his first spell with the club, Ronaldo won eight major trophies, including three in the Premier League and one Champions League triumph. “Well, honestly, it was close… It’s something they talked about [about] many and [Manchester City manager Pep] Guardiola said two weeks ago, I guess, that they tried very hard to have me,” Ronaldo told Piers Morgan Uncensored. Ronaldo said Ferguson’s intervention was the reason he rejoined the club, adding he was “surprised” after learning Manchester City had tried to sign him. “But as you know, as my story [was] at Manchester United, your heart, your emotions… make the difference. And of course, Sir Alex Ferguson too. I was surprised… But it was a conscious decision. Because the heart speaks, speaking loudly at that moment. I think that was the key. It was the difference at the time, but I can’t be honest if I do, I wouldn’t say Manchester City weren’t close,” Ronaldo said. Ronaldo added that he has no regrets about returning to Manchester United. “I talked to him [Ferguson]… He told me that, “It’s impossible to come to Manchester City.” And I say, “Okay, boss.” That’s how I made the decisions and… it was a good decision,” he added. Topics covered in this article
