City dismiss Ronaldo claims

Manchester City will not be signing Brazil striker Ronaldo despite claims from the former Real Madrid star that he is set to move to Eastlands.

Quotes from the Brazilian emerged from Spain early this morning in which the out-of-contract 31-year-old talked up a partnership with countryman Robinho.

"I like the project that Manchester City have presented me," Ronaldo reportedly said. "They want to make the club one of the best in the world and I feel that I can help.

"It is the best offer I've received and it will be very interesting to play with Robinho.

"Me and him, together, we can score more than 50 goals."

However, while executive chairman Garry Cook did meet the player and club officials carried out medical checks on a knee ligament injury Ronaldo sustained in February, the club will not be completing a deal.

"We had shown a past interest in bringing the player to the football club in the right circumstances and spoke to him and his representatives," admitted a club spokesperson.

"However, we have chosen not to pursue the matter."

While some City fans might be disappointed at the news, most will be relieved.

Recent photographs of the former World Cup winner indicate he is way over his 'fighting' weight and unlikely to challenge Robinho or Jo for a first-team place.

And it also shows manager Mark Hughes is being allowed to manage the club his way.

Hughes never got involved in the high-profile courting of Ronaldinho during the summer and signing Ronaldo makes even less sense.

His stated aim is to bring in players who still have a desire to make an impact at the highest level, a description that would not appear to apply in Ronaldo's case.

City's takeover by the Abu Dhabi-based United Group for Development and Investment is due to be completed this week but it will be January before they can make any further meaningful additions to Hughes' squad.

In the meantime, the Blues will head to Cyprus for Thursday's Uefa Cup clash against Omonia Nicosia, with Robinho looking to build on his memorable debut day strike against Chelsea on Saturday even if the eventual defeat was not what City wanted.