Manchester City chiefs are ‘convinced Pep Guardiola would have LEFT had the club signed Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021’ with Spaniard’s decision to sign new deal until 2025 put down to renewed enthusiasm caused by Erling Haaland’s explosive start at the Etihad
Pep Guardiola would have left his role as Manchester City manager early if Cristiano Ronaldo had joined the club, according to a report.
Guardiola signed a new contract to stay at City until at least 2025 on Wednesday, with his previous deal due to expire next year.
Ronaldo was linked with a move to City in the summer of 2021, but rivals Manchester United hijacked the move, and the forward rejoined his former side rather than signing for their local rivals.
Pep Guardiola would reportedly have left Manchester City if Cristiano Ronaldo had signed
Ronaldo was linked with City in the summer of 2021 but instead joined Manchester United
According to The Athletic, Guardiola would have quit the club before the end of the 2023 expiry date if Ronaldo had joined, with it believed the Spaniard did not want the controversial forward in his side.
Ronaldo left United by mutual consent on Tuesday after a recent bombshell interview attacking the club and manager Erik ten Hag.
He has formed quite the rivalry with Lionel Messi over the years, someone Guardiola coached for several seasons and formed a strong bond with at Barcelona.
City instead signed Erling Haaland this season, who has already scored 23 goals in just 18 games for the club since joining in the summer.
It is believed the Norwegian’s arrival breathed new life into Guardiola’s project at City, with his fine form playing a major role in the new deal.
It is believed Erling Haaland breather new life into Guardiola at the Premier League champions
Guardiola put pen to paper on a new contract until 2025 at City on Wednesday morning
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