10 Players You Probably Didn't Know Man City Almost Signed
7. Ronaldo
Contrary to mischievous reports in the media, bids were never actually lodged for the former Manchester United superstar. Stories circulated that City were intent on destroying the six year love affair that had been nurtured and caressed between the two, by offering him a £400,000 p/wk deal. While these reports have been unfounded, that doesnt mean that City havent tried to sign a former Real Madrid goal machine by the same name.
The original Ronaldo needs no introductions, as he is simply one of the finest players to kick a football. However, it is not well known that he too was swayed by the beginnings of the City revolution, clearly wanting a piece of whatever Robinho was earning on a weekly basis.
The three-time world player of the year was recovering from a serious injury at AC Milan when he was sounded out about the possibility of swapping the Champions League for Wednesday nights at Stoke. With a better PR line than that, Ronaldo seemed keen, citing Citys interest as the best offer Ive received.
''I like the project that City presented me. Its the best offer Ive received and it will be interesting to play with Robinho. Ronaldo, 2008.
Having missed out on Ronaldinho to the Italian giants earlier in the summer, City needed another smiling Brazilian to hold aloft to the supporters in a bid to mask the chaos that was surrounding the club.
On transfer deadline day, Citys prayers were answered, as they inexplicably became the richest club in the world, taken over by the Abu Dhabi consortium. Suddenly, the media had them linked with the likes of David Villa, Dimitar Berbatov and Mario Gomez. An overweight crock just shy of his 32nd birthday, regardless of how many medals he had acquired over a distinguished career, didnt possess the same appeal any more.
As indicated in the above quote, Ronaldo was still under the illusion that City were in the hunt for him, but in mid-September, a City spokesman was forced to cut his aspirations short, publicly declaring the interest in him dead.