Player Transfer Saga: Ronaldo to Manchester CityPlayer Transfer Saga: Ronaldo to Manchester City Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football legend, became the subject of intense transfer speculation in the summer of 2021, with Manchester City emerging as the frontrunner to acquire his services. Background: After a three-year stint with Juventus, Ronaldo expressed his desire to leave the Italian club. Rumors began to circulate that Manchester City, despite their wealth, were interested in signing the 36-year-old forward. City’s Interest: Manchester City, led by manager Pep Guardiola, had long been linked with a move for Ronaldo. Guardiola had previously worked with the player at Real Madrid and was said to be keen on reuniting with him. Juventus’ Stance: Juventus initially insisted that Ronaldo was not for sale. However, it became clear that the Portuguese icon was determined to move on. The Italian club eventually agreed to let him leave for a fee in the region of €25 million. Negotiations: Talks between Manchester City and Ronaldo began in secret. The player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, met with City officials to discuss a potential deal. City were reportedly willing to pay Ronaldo a staggering €500,000 per week, making him the highest-paid player in the Premier League. City Pull Out: However, just when it seemed like the transfer was a done deal, Manchester City pulled out of the negotiations. The club cited a number of factors, including Ronaldo’s age and his suitability to Guardiola’s style of play. Ronaldo to Manchester United: With Manchester City out of the picture, Ronaldo was left scrambling for a new club. Just hours before the transfer deadline, he made a sensational return to Manchester United, the club where he had achieved global stardom. Aftermath: The Ronaldo transfer saga captivated the footballing world. It was a reminder of the immense power and influence that top players hold in the transfer market. It also highlighted the changing landscape of football, with wealthy clubs like Manchester City willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money on elite players.
