Pep Guardiola ‘would have left Man City if Cristiano Ronaldo joined the club’

It has been reported that Pep Guardiola would have rejected a contract extension at Manchester City if Cristiano Ronaldo had joined the club.

On Wednesday morning, the Etihad club confirmed that their manager has signed a contract extension until 2025.

However, according to The Athletic, Guardiola would have left if Ronaldo made the move to City last summer.

The report claims that club executives were tempted by bringing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to City. However, City’s technical staff members, including Guardiola, were unsure how Ronaldo would fit into the team.

It is believed that if Ronaldo had joined City, Guardiola would have left City before the end of his then contract in 2023.

Recently, during an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo stated that he was close to joining Guardiola’s side.

He said: “Well, honestly, it [joining City] was close... It's something they spoke [about] a lot and [City manager Pep] Guardiola said two weeks ago, I guess, that they tried hard to have me.”

However, the 37-year-old then revealed a conversation with Manchester United’s legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson stopped him from moving to City.

Ronaldo added: “I spoke with [Ferguson]. He said to me that, "It's impossible for you to come to Manchester City," and I say, "OK, boss.”

Fresh from signing his new deal, Guardiola expressed his delight in staying with the champions of England.

The 51-year-old said: “From day one I felt something special being here. I cannot be in a better place. I am so pleased to be staying at Manchester City for another two years.

“I can't say thank you enough to everyone at the club for trusting me. I am happy and comfortable, and I have everything I need to do my job as best as possible.”

Guardiola added: “I know the next chapter of this club will be amazing for the next decade. It happened over the last 10 years, and it will happen in the next 10 years because this club is so stable.

“I still have the feeling there is more we can achieve together and that is why I want to stay and continue fighting for trophies.”