(BBC) – Cristiano Ronaldo says he was close to joining Manchester City before following his “heart” by re-joining Manchester United.

The 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 yesterday 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 the 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’.”

‘YOUNG PLAYERS DON’T CARE
Ronaldo, who will miss Portugal’s friendly with Nigeria today because of a stomach bug, criticised 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.”

Ronaldo singled out his United and Portugal team-mate Diogo Dalot, 23, as one of the few young players he could praise.

Ronaldo also said Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro are other players he admires at the club.

“In Manchester United I can mention Dalot,” he said. “He’s young, but very professional but I don’t doubt that he’s going to have longevity in football because he’s young, he’s smart, intelligent and he’s very professional. Probably Martinez, Casemiro is in his 30s, but I will say Dalot.’’