![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/cristiano-ronaldo-left-with-egg-on-his-face-after-transfer-claim-dismissed/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/0_GettyImages-1400686078.jpg&description=Manchester City have refuted Cristiano Ronaldo's claim that he was "close" to moving to the Etihad Stadium last year. Ronaldo was linked with a move to the Premier League champions in the summer of 2021 before sealing his emotional return to Manchester United. After three goal and trophy-laden years at Juventus, the superstar striker sought a new challenge and arrived back at Old Trafford for an initial £13million after 12 years away from the Red Devils. For much of August 2021, City led the transfer race for Ronaldo's services but Sir Alex Ferguson's intervention ensured he did not tarnish his United legacy by joining their cross-town rivals. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner opened up on last year's transfer saga during part one of his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan. "Well, honestly, it was close," Ronaldo replied when Morgan quizzed him on his mooted transfer to City. Recalling his conversation with Ferguson at the time, he added: "He said to me that, 'It's impossible for you to come to Manchester City'. And I say, 'OK, Boss'." Despite Ronaldo's assertion that a transfer to City was on the cards, Mirror Football understands this was not the case. While there was contact between Etihad chiefs and super-agent Jorge Mendes, the Portugal captain was never "close" to putting pen to paper on a contract with the Citizens. Instead, Ronaldo returned to the Red Devils and enjoyed a successful season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions - 18 in the Premier League and six in the Champions League. However, his relationship with the club declined after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021. Would Cristiano Ronaldo have been a success at Manchester City? Have your say in the comments... Cristiano Ronaldo claimed he was "close" to joining Manchester City - which the club deny (Image: UEFA via Getty Images) Ronaldo did not see eye to eye with Ralf Rangnick, Solskjaer's interim replacement, and opened up on his arguments with the German in his explosive interview){kind=link}
Manchester United centre-forward Cristiano Ronaldo declared he was “close” to joining Manchester City in the summer of 2021 during his interview with Piers Morgan
Manchester City have refuted Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that he was “close” to moving to the Etihad Stadium last year.
Ronaldo was linked with a move to the Premier League champions in the summer of 2021 before sealing his emotional return to Manchester United. After three goal and trophy-laden years at Juventus, the superstar striker sought a new challenge and arrived back at Old Trafford for an initial £13million after 12 years away from the Red Devils.
For much of August 2021, City led the transfer race for Ronaldo’s services but Sir Alex Ferguson’s intervention ensured he did not tarnish his United legacy by joining their cross-town rivals. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner opened up on last year’s transfer saga during part one of his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan.
“Well, honestly, it was close,” Ronaldo replied when Morgan quizzed him on his mooted transfer to City. Recalling his conversation with Ferguson at the time, he added: “He said to me that, ‘It’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City’. And I say, ‘OK, Boss’.”