I was close to Joining Rivals Manchester City Says Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal forward made headlines earlier this week after telling Talk TV he felt "betrayed" by the club.

The first part of the full interview was released on Wednesday in which he gave more detail on his version of events at Old Trafford.

"Honestly, it was close," he said of potentially joining City.

Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford from Juventus in August 2021 - 11 years after he left the club to join Real Madrid.

At the time it was reported he was wanted by City boss Pep Guardiola and, although Ronaldo confirmed his interest, he said he decided to sign for United after speaking with his old manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The 37-year-old added: "As you know, my history in Manchester United, your heart, you're feeling the way that you did before, makes the difference. And of course, Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I spoke with him. He said to me, 'it's impossible for you to come to Manchester City. And I say 'OK, boss'."

Ronaldo, who will miss Portugal's friendly with Nigeria on Thursday because of a stomach bug, criticized the attitude and professionalism of young footballers during the interview, accusing them of "not respecting" their older and more experienced team-mates.

"Their hunger [is different]," he added. "I think they have things more easily, everything's easy, they don't suffer - and they don't care.

"I don't mean only a few in Manchester United, but all the teams in all leagues in the world, the youngers are not the same of my generation.

"But you cannot blame them, because it's part of the life and the new generation, the new technologies that distract them."