Cristiano Ronaldo reveals Manchester City ‘enjoyment’ with shock Champions League prediction

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Manchester City are favourites to win the UEFA Champions League, just three years after rejecting the chance to move to the Etihad Stadium.

The 38-year-old dramatically quit Manchester United for the Saudi Pro League in November 2022, just over a year after moving to Old Trafford amid shock Manchester City transfer links during the summer transfer window of 2021.

Ronaldo had been linked with a sensational move to the Etihad Stadium, claiming a move to Manchester City was “close” during an interview with Piers Morgan.

The Portuguese legend is one of several major European footballers to have moved to the Saudi Pro League, with Manchester City duo Riyad Mahrez and Aymeric Laporte having also signed for the Middle Eastern league during the summer.

Neymar, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have all followed in the footsteps of Ronaldo, who has been directly involved in 29 goals in 18 matches this season.

Manchester City have repeatedly distanced themselves from reports linking them to the signing of Ronaldo prior to his return to Old Trafford, with Guardiola’s side winning the Premier League title in both 2022 and 2023.

The Blues also won the Champions League and Emirates FA Cup last season, emulating the success of Manchester United in 1999.

City have also won the UEFA Super Cup and were recently crowned FIFA Club World Cup winners, beating Fluminense in December in Jeddah.

Ronaldo has since congratulated the Blues on their recent success, in comments relayed by journalist Fabrizio Romano.

“Manchester City did amazing. Congratulations on their season. Players, coach. Superb,” said the 38-year-old.

“Finally they win the Champions League, they probably deserved it two years ago. I enjoy seeing them playing.”

The forward has also tipped Manchester City to win the Champions League again this season, believing that Guardiola’s side are favourites.

“Manchester City have good chance to win the Champions League again. Favourites? Man City, Real Madrid, Bayern.”