Fabrizio Romano reveals how close Ronaldo came to joining Man City

Ahead of the upcoming derby, Fabrizio Romano has revealed how close Cristiano Ronaldo came to joining the Manchester City.

City entered into negotiations to sign Ronaldo last year while he was still at Italian side Juventus. But a shock move to the Etihad fail to materialise, with Ronaldo instead rejoining United on a two-year deal.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now reveal just how close Cristiano Ronaldo came to joining Manchester City last summer before his return to Manchester United.

He acknowledged City’s interest in acquiring Ronaldo two summers ago. However, he stressed the move was not as far advanced as some reported and issues with agent Jorge Mendes were still outstanding.

“As you’ll remember last summer, there were talks over a surprise move for Cristiano Ronaldo to join Manchester City,” continued the journalist.

“Still, it was never 100 percent approved by the board or by the technical staff at City.

“There were also some issues at Ronaldo’s end with his agent Jorge Mendes. The deal collapsed, even though Juventus were happy to accept the move.

“In the end, United appeared on the scene. Ronaldo was happy to join them as soon as their interest became apparent.”

Ronaldo went on to score 24 goals in 38 games in his first season back at Old Trafford. But, following United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, Ronaldo handed in a transfer request this summer in an attempt to force through a move elsewhere.

This was a lucky escape for Pep Guardiola’s side because had City signed Ronaldo, it stands to reason they might never have signed Erling Haaland this summer.

Haaland is 15 years younger than Ronaldo and given the way he’s started his career at the Etihad, things in the market could not have gone better for City.

Ronaldo and Haaland are two of the finest examples of complete centre forward play. Both will hope to be decisive in the Manchester derby on Sunday.