(Football news) Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he was on the verge of joining Manchester City but a timely intervention from Sir Alex Ferguson made him choose Manchester United last summer. In an interview with Piers Morgan, the 37 year old has revealed that he followed “his heart” and decided to rejoin Manchester United, despite the club entering the race to sign him very late. Ronaldo has also praised the likes of Diogo Dalot, Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro while claiming that young players “don’t care” and “have it too easy” in professional football. He also referred to Roy Keane as his "best ever captain" but criticised former teammates Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney.
In the interview, Ronaldo said “Well, honestly, it [moving to City] was close. They spoke a lot and Guardiola said two weeks ago that they tried hard to have me. But, as you know, my history is with Manchester United. Your heart, you're feeling the way you did before, and it made the difference. And of course, as well, Sir Alex Ferguson. It was a conscious decision because the heart speaks loud at that moment. I think it [speaking with Ferguson] was the key. I wouldn't say that Manchester City wasn't close. But I think I did [make] a conscious decision. I don't regret it at some point.
"And as you mentioned before, Sir Alex Ferguson was the key. I spoke with him… He said to me that 'It's impossible for you to come to Manchester City'. And I said 'OK, Boss'. So I took the decisions and I repeat: I was with conscience that it was a good decision. It was a good moment, nobody expected it. Things changed around in 72 hours. You plan or they spoke, not only Man City but other clubs too. Manchester United wasn't part of those teams but it surprised everybody, even me."
Speaking about the younger generation, Ronaldo said “They [the young players] live in a different era. My kid is 12-years-old, the mentality is not the same. The anger [is the difference], they have things more easily. They don't suffer. And they don't care. I don't mean only a few at Manchester United, I mean in all teams. The new generation and the new technologies distract them. But they are not the same [in the way] that they listen but this is why we have two ears, as you listen from one side and they go away from another side.
“So, it doesn't surprise me. But in the same way, it's a little bit [of a] shame because if they have the best examples in front of their eyes, and if they don't, at least copy what [they] did. For me, it's kind of weird, because I remember when I was 18, 19, 20, I always looked to see the best players: [Ruud] Van Nistelrooy, [Rio] Ferdinand, Roy Keane, and [Ryan] Giggs – this is why I have the success that I have and longevity. Because I take care of my body, my mentality, my head, because I see these guys and I learn from them.
"I'm not the kind of guy who likes to give advice as I prefer to be an example. Because I'm an example. I'm there every morning and do the same stuff. I'm probably the first one to arrive and the last one to go out. I think the details speak for themselves. As I told you before, they listen to one thing and in two minutes they have already forgotten and do what they think is better. This is why I say, I like to lead by example and some ones follow me – but not much.”
"I'm not the kind of guy who likes to give advice as I prefer to be an example. Because I'm an example. I'm there every morning and do the same stuff. I'm probably the first one to arrive and the last one to go out. I think the details speak for themselves. As I told you before, they listen to one thing and in two minutes they have already forgotten and do what they think is better. This is why I say, I like to lead by example and some ones follow me – but not much.” Asked which players he admires in the modern day, he responded: "I only can say what I see from my eyes. In Manchester United, I can mention Dalot. For example, he is young and very professional. I have no doubt he will have longevity in football. He's young, smart, intelligent and he's very professional. We have a few more young ones, but it's difficult. Probably Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s – but I'd say Dalot."
When asked about what Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane’s support means to him, Ronaldo said “It means a lot because I was in the dressing room with them. They are part of my journey as well. Roy Keane was my best captain ever. Rio Ferdinand was a big help for me, he was my neighbour. They're really good guys, not just because they speak good about me but they are football players, they know how players are thinking and the way we behave." Ronaldo had a different view about Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney, saying “People can have their own opinions. They don't really know what's going on at the training ground, they have to listen to my point of view as well. It's easy to criticise if they don't know the whole story. They are not my friends, they are colleagues. We played together but we're not having dinner together. It's part of my journey, they keep criticising me with negativity every time. I can continue my trip and I have to catch up with people who like me."
Also read: Ronaldo claims Manchester United owners don’t care about the club
