Loyalty in football is a rare trait. It is why the likes of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are held in such high esteem by Manchester United supporters.
Others often preach commitment, and then let themselves down.
Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly on the verge of the ultimate betrayal.
Ronaldo has been a Manchester United icon for years after leading the club to the Champions League in 2008.
Now he appears ready to go the way of famous cross-city traitor Carlos Tevez, with Sky Sports reporting talks are ongoing.
False commitment
Ronaldo was asked about joining City when he left for Real Madrid back in 2009, and he had a firm response.
He was quoted by The Guardian: “Never. City have a lot of good players and might be a problem for United, Arsenal and Chelsea. But that doesn’t interest me.”
At that point of course Ronaldo’s desire was to leave the Premier League for La Liga, but never, means never. Except seemingly, for footballers.
Insists he is not money motivated
Ronaldo was also asked about joining City in 2015, in an interview in 2015 with the BBC.
He responded: “You think the money is going to change my mind now?’
“I don’t think so. I think it is not going to be the problem, because if you will speak about the money, I will go to Qatar.”
City can admittedly offer Ronaldo a tempting sporting challenge, to try and compete for trophies, and even go up against Lionel Messi’s PSG in the Champions League group stage draw.
But it will be soulless. Ronaldo will be joining a team which does not even have a badge on their away kit, and struggle to fill out their stadium.
- 10 best Man Utd fan reactions to Shea Lacey’s first-half performance against Rosenborg, one feeling is clear
- Who is Nicolò Tresoldi? The Italy-born Germany youth striker linked with Man Utd
- Youri Tielemans’ past injuries and age cannot overshadow immediate solution solved in Man Utd’s post-Casemiro era
- I was desperate for Man United to sign Eduardo Camavinga, but his latest Real Madrid decision is a worry
- Joshua Zirkzee’s stance on Juventus move could fast-track Man Utd exit
- Danilo has already learned two important skills from Casemiro amid rumblings he could move to Man Utd
- Man Utd may immediately repeat their successful Youri Tielemans ‘trick’ with their next midfield signing
- Why Man Utd’s brand-new Adidas away shirt for 2026/27 Premier League season is in blue design
- Alejandro Garnacho’s Aston Villa spell could determine which of his two ex-Man Utd teammates’ footsteps he follows
- There’s one major difference with how Benjamin Sesko looks in training
- What Manchester United’s XI vs Rosenborg looked like in 2024 pre-season clash
- Unprecedented transfer move: Man Utd swoop for third midfielder would rip up the club’s transfer history
- Michael Carrick’s Chido Obi decision vs Wrexham is puzzling after JJ Gabriel’s inclusion for Rosenborg
- There is one thing missing from the Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo combination
- Wayne Rooney thinks one World Cup moment proves why Sir Alex Ferguson was ‘best’ in crucial tactical area
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
