Solskjaer opens door for Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Man Utd as after City ‘pull out’ of transfer race for Juve star
MANCHESTER CITY have PULLED OUT of the race to sign Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.
Rivals Manchester United are now the favourites to sign the 36-year-old after manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer pleaded with him to come back.
According to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, City have decided against trying to sign Ronaldo after considering a move for the United legend.
Ronaldo had been in talks with the Prem champions over the last 24 hours with his agent Jorge Mendes discussing a contract with Etihad chiefs.
But, as reported by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are now in direct contact with Mendes and working out the cost of a deal.
Solskjaer revealed Bruno Fernandes has been encouraging his Portuguese team-mate Ronaldo to make the move to Old Trafford.
The Man Utd coach told the press: “I didn’t think Cristiano was going to leave Juventus.
“But if ever he is going to move away from Juventus he knows we are here.
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“We’ve always had a good communication, Bruno has been talking to him as well. He knows how we feel about him.
“He is a legend of this club, the greatest players of all time if you ask me. So let’s see what happens with him.”
Solskjaer’s comments came just minutes after Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri confirmed Ronaldo wants to leave the Italian club.
The forward has said goodbye to his Juve team-mates and is widely expected to complete a transfer in the next few days.
Ronaldo scored 118 goals in 292 games for United between 2003 and 2009 winning eight major honours, including three Premier Leagues titles.
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