Cristiano Ronaldo admits Manchester City were close to signing him

Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that he was close to joining Manchester City from Juventus last year.

Ronaldo made himself available in the transfer market last year after he made his intentions clear that he was leaving Juventus for a different challenge.

Reports broke out that Manchester City were leading the chase to lure the Man United legend Ronaldo from Juventus but after a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United became the favourite to resign their former striker and they eventually did it.

Ronaldo finished his first season during his second spell as the highest goal scorer with 24 goals in all competitions and included in the Premier League Team of the Year.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has confirmed to Piers Morgan Uncensored that he was really close to joining Manchester City last year because his agent had held talks with City and Pep Guardiola but it didn’t work out because United had hijacked the deal after SAF intervention.

And Ronaldo’s claim would come down as a shock to many fans because not too many people who genuinely thought Manchester City weren’t really interested in him and the speculation was to make United speed up their effort in resigning him.

Speaking to Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said: “Honestly, it was close [his move to Man City]. They spoke a lot, Guardiola said they tried hard to have me.

“But, my history at Manchester United and my heart made the difference. And, of course, Sir Alex Ferguson. My heart spoke loud in that moment.”