Manchester City not signing Cristiano Ronaldo last summer was their ‘decision’ contrary to what the 37-year-old claimed, according to journalist Mike Keegan.

The Lowdown: Ronaldo’s Premier League return

The Portuguese veteran was looking for his next destination after leaving Juventus in 2021, and despite being heavily linked with a move to the Sky Blues, he went back to Manchester United in a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

During a recent interview, Ronaldo claimed that he turned down the opportunity to link up with Pep Guardiola after holding a conversation with former boss Sir Alex Ferguson, although a contradictory update has now emerged from elsewhere.

The Latest: Man City pulled the plug

Taking to Twitter, Keegan denied the suggestion made by Ronaldo and revealed that it was in fact City’s decision to pull the plug in August 2021 which meant the transfer collapsed.

He wrote: “Raised eyebrows at Manchester City over Cristiano Ronaldo’s claims. Doesn’t tally with their recollection. Told decision to withdraw was theirs, not his. Similar to Tuchel’s later stance at Chelsea. A distraction not needed in a dressing room already packed with winners.”

The Verdict: Correct decision

The Manchester United striker is undoubtedly world-class, having clocked up 924 goal contributions in 949 appearances throughout his club career, but taking the decision not to sign him was the right one from City.

Over the past few days, he has shown how he can react when things might not be going to plan behind the scenes; and if this is how he responds to not being played in every game, he surely isn’t a character that Guardiola would want to have in the dressing room.

Erling Haaland was a much better alternative to hold out for, and given his positive attitude and explosive start to life in the English top flight, it’s easy to see why the Etihad hierarchy wanted to land him instead of Ronaldo.