Cristiano Ronaldo 's sensational return to Manchester United sent enough shockwaves around world football - but he almost made a bigger ripple effect across town.
The Portuguese megastar secured a glorious homecoming transfer last summer when he re-signed for the Red Devils and received a warm welcome back to Old Trafford. However, Ronaldo had been in talks to join to their bitter rivals, Manchester City, over the previous few weeks and the man himself says that a move was "close" - a claim which Mirror Football understands wasn't the case.
If City had gone through with signing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, though, not only would United's situation be drastically different 15 months later, but their noisy neighbours' too. On Wednesday, City boss Pep Guardiola was announced to have signed a two-year contract extension. But had Ronaldo been a blue, the acclaimed Catalan coach could've be on his way out this season.
A report from The Athletic claims that, if the then 36-year-old striker became a Citizen, senior sources at the club don't believe Guardiola would've stayed beyond his previous deal which ran until June 2023. Instead, City's decision not to sign Ronaldo and wait to win the race for Erling Haaland this past summer directly resulted in the 51-year-old's decision to put pen to paper on fresh terms.
Whether simply because the Portugal captain would've soon needed replacing due to his age or the likelihood that Ronaldo wouldn't have gelled with his free-flowing system, Guardiola's stance speaks volumes. United, naively, snapped up their former hero and began a second marriage, one which began promisingly but ultimately ended prematurely in a messy divorce.
On Tuesday, the Red Devils confirmed that they'd terminated his £480,000-a-week contract following an explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Ronaldo had slammed manager Erik ten Hag, owners the Glazer family - who remarkably put the club up for sale shortly after Ronaldo's release - and his former teammates, namely Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville.
"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect," a statement from United began. "The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford, scoring 145 goals in 346 appearances, and wishes him and his family well for the future.
"Everyone at Manchester United remains focused on continuing the team's progress under Erik ten Hag and working together to deliver success on the pitch."
Ronaldo himself made a brief statement upon parting ways with the Red Devils for the second time in his prestigious career. "Following conversations with Manchester United we have mutually agreed to end our contract early," the ex- Juventus, Real Madrid and Sporting Lisbon superstar explained.
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"I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change. However, it feels like the right time for me to seek a new challenge. I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and for the future."
While it's a fresh start for United, it's set to be more of the same sweet taste of success for City. Upon agreeing to stay put at the Etihad Stadium until 2025, Guardiola beamed: "From day one I felt something special being here. I cannot be in a better place," said Spaniard Guardiola. I am so pleased to be staying at Manchester City for another two years."
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss ominously added: "I still have the feeling there is more we can achieve together and that is why I want to stay and continue fighting for trophies."
