DON’T JOIN CITY! Fergie’s three little words to Cristiano...
SIR Alex Ferguson took just 20 seconds to end City’s hopes of signing Cristiano Ronaldo in a whirlwind transfer saga that shook up the final days of the summer window.
Ronaldo had decided to leave Juventus and City were to lead the race for his signature, as they looked to land one of the game’s most iconic stars and a great of their cross-city rivals.
Following talks between both clubs and Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes, there was confidence a £25million deal could be completed.
But, as the M.E.N. reported at the time, Etihad chiefs were left stunned when it emerged neighbours United had stolen Ronaldo from under the noses – in one of the most stunning transfers in Premier League history.
And it can be revealed that in the brief phone call Fergie made to Ronaldo, the former United boss ordered him not to go to City under any circumstances.
Fergie said to Ronaldo ‘don’t join City’ before hanging up – and the coded message made it clear to Ronaldo how desperate and determined United were to lure him back to Old Trafford.
Just a few days later Ronaldo completed his move to
United after agreeing a two-year deal making him the highest-paid star in Premier League history.
Ronaldo will come up against City today when Pep Guardiola’s men travel to Old Trafford for what promises to be another
explosive derby showdown between the bitter rivals.
The 36-year-old has been a revelation this season, plundering nine goals in 11 games to help keep Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a job and leave United on the brink of reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.
The coded message made it clear to Ronaldo how desperate United were to lure him back Jeremy Cross