Manchester City Rubbish Cristiano Ronaldo’s Claim That They Were Close to Signing Him

• Cristiano Ronaldo has claimed that Manchester City were close to signing him, during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan
• However, Man City have refuted his claims, stating they were not as close to signing the Portugal star as he has suggested
• Man City did explore the possibility of signing of Ronaldo, but it is believed Sir Alex Ferguson persuaded him to rejoin United

Manchester City are reportedly shocked to hear that Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he was close to joining them last season.

The 37-year-old striker eventually joined his former club Manchester United, but their love affair is expected to end unceremoniously after this week's events.

Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan continues to cause shockwaves in the world of football.

The Portuguese legend sensationally said he doesn't respect manager Erik ten Hag. He then criticised former teammate Wayne Rooney, before launching a scathing attack on the club's owners, the Glazers.

Cristiano Ronaldo reveals Sir Alex Ferguson's role in botched move to Manchester City

Football

There were mixed reactions to those revelations, but United fans were particularly angry about the criticism of ten Hag.

Man City denies Ronaldo claims

According to an exclusive by the Sun, Manchester City are surprised that Ronaldo claimed they were 'close to sealing the deal' to bring him to Etihad.

The reigning Premier League champions briefly explored the move, but claimed Ronaldo's remark that they pushed hard to sign him was outrageous. In the interview with Morgan, Ronaldo said he almost joined City.

"Well, honestly, it was close. They spoke a lot and Guardiola said two weeks ago that they tried hard to have me. But, as you know, my history is in Manchester United. Your heart, you're feeling the way you did before, and it made the difference."

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Guardiola eventually decided to sign Erling Haaland and not Ronaldo or Harry Kane, which was a brilliant decision in hindsight.

Ronaldo: Sir Alex Ferguson's role

Sports Brief earlier reported on how Sir Alex Ferguson blocked Ronaldo's move to Manchester City last summer.

Ronaldo also described how his former boss forced a change of heart in him, after reports indicated he was close to joining the Citizens.

The Portugal star said his heart then helped him make the decision to renege on a potential move to the Etihad Stadium.