Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan has reported via Twitter that Manchester City walked away from the chance of signing Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021.
In his latest interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the Portuguese superstar stated that while City were keen on his signature, his rich history with Manchester United meant he decided to refuse to join Pep Guardiola’s side.
Keegan reports the Sky Blues’ side of the Ronaldo story
On Thursday, Mike Keegan posted a tweet to clarify that those within the Etihad Stadium were not impressed by Ronaldo’s suggestion, considering the fact that it was the Sky Blues that chose not to sign the ex-Juventus forward last year.
“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.”
This claim aligns with Fabrizio Romano’s bombshell last summer about the Premier League champions deciding to turn their backs at the prospect of signing the ageing striker.
City and short-term business do not go hand-in-hand
Even when Manchester City were speculated with signing Cristiano Ronaldo, it came as a major surprise to see one of the best recruits in world football be open to such a short-term signing.
While City were in desperate need for a replacement for Sergio Aguero, who had left the club in the same summer, signing a 37-year old frontman past his devastating best never seemed like the correct approach.
Especially considering the Sky Blues had spent the entire summer chasing Harry Kane, who was the most in-form striker in the division, and that too coming off perhaps his finest season at Tottenham at the time, winning the Premier League Golden Boot and Playmaker of the Season awards.
All’s well that ends well for Manchester City, as they have none other than Erling Haaland scoring goals for fun, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s love affair with Manchester United looks set to end in bitter fashion.
