An excerpt from a new book about Pep Guardiola’s time at the Etihad Stadium has revealed the reason why Man City cruelly rejected Ronaldo in 2021.
In the summer of 2021, Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo was at the center of intense transfer speculation. Ultimately, he made a high-profile return to Manchester United in a deal worth €23 million, plus add-ons. However, before heading back to Old Trafford, Ronaldo had reportedly offered himself to Premier League champions Manchester City. The move was ultimately blocked, as City felt he did not align with their tactical strategy.
According to an excerpt from Catalan sports journalist Martí Perarnau’s upcoming book, shared by the Daily Mail: “Cristiano Ronaldo presented himself as an option to Manchester City last summer, but manager Pep Guardiola chose not to pursue the opportunity.
There is no doubt that Guardiola respects Ronaldo’s superb finishing ability and excellent physical condition, but how can a player like this fit into the precise machine that the Catalan has carefully and strategically built at Man City?
Man City rejected Ronaldo even if they couldn’t buy Harry Kane. Photo: GETTY.
“Thanks, but no, Cristiano Ronaldo. The English giants Man City flatly rejected Ronaldo, even after the club tried to sign Harry Kane and bought a real striker but failed.”
Manchester City also failed to sign Harry Kane that summer, as they struggled to find a replacement for Sergio Aguero. The Cityzens eventually signed Erling Haaland the following year, and he helped them win a historic treble in his first season.
Cristiano Ronaldo seems to have a different story to tell. He says he turned down interest from Manchester City on the advice of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scottish tactician was the man who nurtured Ronaldo during his early years at Manchester United and helped him become one of the best players in the world.
Pep Guardiola believes Ronaldo does not fit into his tactical system. Photo: GETTY.
Speaking about his failed move to Manchester City in 2021, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner told Piers Morgan in an interview for TalkTV: “It was really close… It’s something Man City have said a lot and Pep Guardiola has said it too. I guess they were trying their best to get me. But as you know, with my history at Manchester United, your heart, your emotions… make the difference. And of course Sir Alex Ferguson had an impact on my decision.
I was surprised, but in the end I made a conscious decision. Because the heart spoke very loudly at that moment. I think the key was Sir Alex’s intervention. That was the difference at that moment, but I can’t say otherwise that Manchester City were not close to me. Then I spoke to him (Ferguson). He advised me, ‘There’s no way you can go to Manchester City’. And I said, ‘OK, boss’. So I made the decision and… it was a good decision.”
Until now, it is not clear whether Man City rejected Ronaldo or vice versa. And the Portuguese star left Manchester United after his contract was terminated by mutual agreement and Ronaldo joined Al Nassr on a free transfer.
