Ronaldo's 2021 City move 'failed because Sterling couldn't agree Barca terms'

Cristiano Ronaldo's potential move to Man City in 2021 was doomed when Raheem Sterling couldn't agree to terms with Barcelona, according to a new report out of Spain.

The Portuguese striker appeared on the brink of joining City in 2021 before doing a U-turn and rejoining Manchester United.

And Spanish outlet El Mundo have reported that - contrary to previous sentiment - Guardiola was 'not opposed' to having the former Real Madrid striker join him at City.

However, the publication stated that any move for Ronaldo was contingent on the club offloading two forwards.

Though Sergio Aguero joined Barcelona on a free transfer, Sterling did not complete a move to join him despite groundwork being laid for the transfer.

Whether or not a Sterling move to Barcelona really would have unlocked a Ronaldo transfer to City, the striker sensationally rejoined his old club that summer as he returned to Old Trafford.

And while his return started off brilliantly as he scored twice vs. Newcastle in his first game back, his exit left a hugely sour taste as he blasted the club after assuming a bit-part role under manager Erik ten Hag.

In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo said he saw 'no evolution' in the club since Sir Alex Ferguson left and that he didn't respect ten Hag, leading the club to terminate his contract.

He would later join Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, while Sterling would leave City in the summer of 2022 for Chelsea.

A different story has previously been told regarding Guardiola's feelings on Ronaldo.

The Athletic reported 'senior sources at the Etihad' believed that if Ronaldo joined, Guardiola would have left the club before the end of his then-contract in 2023.

Guardiola has since signed a renewed deal until 2025.