Panic at Old Trafford As Top Manchester United Star Prepares to Leave in January Because of Ronaldo
FootballDetails of How Sir Alex Ferguson Stopped Ronaldo’s Man City Move in 20 Seconds
- Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo made a blockbuster come back to Premier League club Manchester United on the summer transfer final day
- Several reports had claimed the former Juventus of Italy forward was on the verge of joining fierce rivals Manchester City
- Details emerge that legendary Sir Alex Ferguson had to place a call to Ronaldo to urge him not to join City
Details of how Cristiano Ronaldo dumped his move for Manchester City to return to Manchester United have emerged following a call from Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ronaldo will face Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday, but it could have been the other way round as the blue half of Manchester almost landed the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
It seems unimaginable that Ronaldo would be playing against the Red Devils, but that almost happened until Ferguson had to wade in.
A report via Daily Star claims City had already agreed a £25 million deal with Juventus for the Portuguese and he was on the brink of moving to the Etihad Stadium.
But United were also making underground moves as vice-chairman Ed Woodward and commercial director Richard Arnold were given the green light from the club owners and went to work to finally re-sign Ronaldo at the fourth attempt.
Knowing the 36-year-old would also love to return to the Old Trafford, Manchester United threw everything in their pursuit of the striker.
Ex-teammates Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra had spoken to the player to return t heir club before Alex Ferguson played the last card.
Fergie personally called Ronaldo - but it wasn’t for a lengthy chat about the situation, as the former manager simply said "don't join City" in a 20-second call before hanging up.
Cristiano Ronaldo takes teammates for pre-derby launch
Meanwhile, Ronaldo took his teammates on a special treat ahead of their epic derby against arch rivals Manchester City this weekend.
The 36-year-old striker was issued a parking ticket for his troubles as he and teammates had launch together at an Italian restaurant.
United host neighbours City on Saturday afternoon and Ronaldo has continued to make underground moves to support manager Old Gunnar Solskjaer.