Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that Sir Alex Ferguson was the key reason behind why he rejoined Manchester United instead of moving to rivals Manchester City.
When Ronaldo left Juventus in the summer of 2021, he looked set to join Pep Guardiola’s side who were in the market for a striker at the time.
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But in a last-ditch move, United swooped in to sign Ronaldo for a second time after originally buying the Portugal international from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
In part one of Ronaldo’s interview with Piers Morgan by TalkTV, the 37-year-old claims he was close to joining City but his former boss Ferguson was the main reason why he chose a move to Old Trafford for the second time in his career.
He said: “Well, honestly, it was close (joining Manchester City).
“But as you know, as my history is in 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.
“So I was surprised. And the same way, but it was conscious decision. Because the heart speaks, speaking loud in that moment.
“I think it was the key (The role of Sir Alex Ferguson). It was the difference in that moment, but I cannot be loyal if I will, I wouldn’t say that Manchester City wasn’t close. But I think, I did (make) a conscious decision. I don’t regret at some point. And as you mentioned before, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key.”
Pressed on whether he spoke to Ferguson before he signed, Ronaldo added: “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’.
“So I took the decisions and I repeat with very, I was with conscience that it was a good decision.”
On Monday night a series of promotional videos for the interview were released by TalkTV, with one featuring Ronaldo attacking the Glazer family’s ownership of the Premier League club.
In excerpts of the interview released earlier on Sunday, Ronaldo said he felt “betrayed” by the club, does not respect manager Erik ten Hag and is being forced out of United.
In response, the Premier League club said in a statement on Monday: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.
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“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”
Ronaldo said in August he would eventually speak out about his struggles at the club after failing to secure a summer transfer away from Old Trafford. He has subsequently given an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV which has been trailed across two days.
Ronaldo insisted on Monday that his focus was now on representing Portugal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after departing Old Trafford to join his international team-mates. “Total and absolute focus on the work of the national team,” he wrote on Twitter.
“A united group, towards a single objective: to fulfil the dream of all Portuguese people!”
The full interview, Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo, will be shown on Thursday at 8pm GMT on TalkTV.
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(Photo: Getty Images)
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