“I Couldn’t imagine Him Playing For Man City” – How Sir Alex Ferguson Blocked Cristiano Ronaldo’s Transfer To City Rival

Cristiano Ronaldo is primed to appear in his first Manchester derby in 12 long years, but he could well have been lining up in sky blue were it not for a series of interventions form a string of United legends.

The 36-year-old made the decision to quit Juventus in the summer after three goal-laden seasons in Turin, fearing the deposed Italian champions were ill-equipped to challenge for the Champions League.

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Premier League champions Manchester City appeared to be on the brink of securing a deal to bring the Portuguese icon back to England and were reported to have agreed personal terms with the five-times Ballon d’Or winner.

Shocked to the core at the prospect of a club legend defecting to their local rivals, the likes of Rio Ferdinand were pressed into emergency action and made direct contact with Ronaldo in an attempt to persuade him to reconsider.

According to reports, however, it was the influence of Ronaldo’s mentor and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson who had the biggest impact on his eventual decision following a phone call which lasted a mere 20 seconds.

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‘Don’t go to City,’ was the legendary Scot’s simple instruction, which clearly had a significant impact on Ronaldo who swiftly sealed a shock, emotional return to Old Trafford where he spent six highly-successful seasons during the formative stage of his career.

City’s loss has very much been United’s gain, with Ronaldo having scored nine goals in 11 matches since his return, including a brace in Tuesday’s Champions League draw against Atalanta.

Ferguson has said little publicly on Ronaldo’s comeback, but did give a rare interview ahead of the forward’s second United debut against Newcastle back in September.

He told Viaplay: ‘I’m exited like everyone else, there was anticipation all day yesterday and waking up in the morning. I speak for all supporters it’s a great day for Man Utd.

‘A lot of people played their part (in bringing Ronaldo back) and I contributed knowing that really Cristiano wanted to come here and that was important. It worked very well.

‘I wouldn’t say it’s emotional but it’s exciting for me and relief because I couldn’t imagine him playing for Man City, I don’t think anyone could.

‘That’s why we took steps to make sure he came here and the club then followed in very well and I spoke to the Glazers and it was done.’

Photo Credit: Getty

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