Pep Guardiola has hailed Cristiano Ronaldo despite the Manchester United star turning down Manchester City back in the summer. The Portugal international was close to moving to the Etihad Stadium from Juventus. However, in the end, he secured a Hollywood homecoming to Old Trafford instead.
In the summer, after missing out on Tottenham hitman Harry Kane, it looked as though City were going to burn their rivals by bringing in Ronaldo.
The 36-year-old had made it known he was eager to leave Juventus behind after three mixed years in Turin.
And with City looking for a replacement for Sergio Aguero, they explored ways to bring the Portugal international to the Etihad.
Guardiola was, at one stage, confident he’d have Ronaldo in his side.
But everything changed late on, with United getting involved to hijack a deal.
The likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Patrice Evra, Rio Ferdinand and Bruno Fernandes all picked up the phone to Ronaldo, imploring him to return home instead.
Man Utd transfer news: Pep Guardiola has lavished praise on Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Man City game (Image: GETTY)
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