Manchester City 'deny they were close to signing Cristiano Ronaldo'

Manchester City have reportedly denied Cristiano Ronaldo's claim that they were "close" to signing the Portugal international from Juventus in the summer of 2021.

The forward was strongly linked with a switch to the Etihad Stadium when it became clear that he would be leaving Juventus in search of pastures new.

Man City were thought to be on the verge of signing the 37-year-old before Manchester United ultimately brought him back to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, during his explosive interview with Piers Morgan on TalkTV, said that he was "close" to making the move to Pep Guardiola's side.

"Well, honestly, it was close... but as you know, as my history is Manchester United. Your heart, you're feeling the way these two that you did before, make the difference. And of course, as well, Sir Alex Ferguson," Ronaldo told Morgan.

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"So I was surprised. And the same way, but it was a conscious decision. Because the heart speaks, speaking loud in that moment.

"I think it was the key (Ferguson). It was the difference in that moment. I wouldn't say that Manchester City wasn't close. But I think, I did [make] a conscious decision. Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. Yes, I did. I spoke with him... He said to me that, 'It's impossible for you to come to Manchester City'. And I say, 'OK, Boss'."

However, according to the Manchester Evening News, Man City have denied that they were on the verge of bringing the Portuguese to the club before his move to Man United.

The report claims that the Citizens did explore the possibility of signing him, but the English champions were never as close to the deal as Ronaldo has suggested.

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Man United are reportedly preparing to sack Ronaldo following the explosive interview with Morgan.

As it stands, the forward has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of June, but the Red Devils are said to be confident of terminating the deal for breach of contract.

Sporting Lisbon are currently viewed as the favourites to re-sign their former youngster, while Chelsea also continue to be credited with an interest in his services.

Ronaldo has only scored three goals in 16 appearances for Man United during the 2022-23 campaign, and he did not feature in their two games against Aston Villa and Fulham ahead of the break for the World Cup due to an illness.