Manchester City have reportedly refuted Cristiano Ronaldo's claims that he was close to signing for the Premier League champions.
The 37-year-old💸 star moved to Manchester United in the summer transfer window of 2024 in a star-studded return to the club where💸 he really announced himself.
3 Ronaldo's interview with Piers Morgan has certainly caused waves Credit: TalkTV
3 Ronaldo said that it was💸 Sir Alex who convinced him not to join City Credit: getty
In his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo stated that💸 he was 'close' to sealing a transfer to Pep Guardiola's side.
However, ESPN claim Man City sources have told them the💸 story is 'false'.
It is also claimed the same club sources have insisted Ronaldo's comments are 'not reflective' of their interest💸 in the summer of 2012, which they instead describe as 'mild'.
Speaking on TalkTV, Ronaldo said it was only the intervention💸 of Sir Alex Ferguson that stopped him from joining United's fierce rivals.
He said: "I think it was the key, 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.
"I spoke with [Ferguson]. He said to me that, 'It's impossible for you to come to Manchester City,' and💸 I say, 'OK, boss.'
3 Ronaldo faces an uncertain future at Manchester United as a result of his comments Credit: Getty
"Well,💸 honestly, it [joining City] was close... It's something they spoke [about] a lot and [City manager Pep] Guardiola said two💸 weeks ago, I guess, that they tried hard to have me."
As a result of his interview, Ronaldo is facing real💸 uncertainty around his future at Old Trafford.
After taking aim at Erik ten Hag, the Glazer family and club legends Gary💸 Neville and Wayne Rooney, it remains to be seen if the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will be welcomed back to💸 the red half of Manchester.
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