Ronaldo was close to joining Manchester City
The first part of footballer star Cristiano Ronaldo’s explosive interview was released last night, and the Manchester United legend opened up about how close he was to joining the club’s rivals – Man City.
Ronaldo said he was close to joining City before following his “heart” by rejoining his Premier League club that made him a star.
He made headlines across the world earlier this week after snippets of the interview were released, and Ronaldo spoke about how he felt “betrayed” by the club.
On joining Manchester City
“Honestly, it was close,” he said of potentially joining City.
Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in August 2021 – 11 years after he left the club to join Real Madrid.
When rumours swirled he may be returning to the Premier League, it was reported City boss Pep Guardiola wanted Ronaldo.
Ronaldo confirmed Pep’s interest but decided to rejoin United after speaking with his old manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
He added: “As you know, my history in Manchester United, your heart, you’re feeling the way that you did before, makes the difference. And of course, Sir Alex Ferguson.
“I spoke with him. He said to me, ‘it’s impossible for you to come to Manchester City’. And I say ‘OK, boss’.”
‘Young players don’t care’
During the interview, Ronaldo criticised the attitude and professionalism of young footballers in every league around the world, accusing them of “not respecting” their older and more experienced teammates.
“Their hunger [is different],” he added. “I think they have things more easily, everything’s easy, they don’t suffer – and they don’t care.
“I don’t mean only a few in Manchester United, but all the teams in all leagues in the world, the youngers are not the same of my generation.
“But you cannot blame them, because it’s part of the life and the new generation, the new technologies that distract them.”
Ronaldo singled out Diogo Dalot, 23, as one of the few young players he could praise.
Ronaldo also said Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are other players he admires at the club.
‘In Manchester United I can mention Dalot,” he said. “He’s young, but very professional but I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional. Probably Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.’
