Juventus chief Federico Cherubini has taken aim at Manchester City over their attempts to sign Cristiano Ronaldo.

Juve sold Ronaldo to Manchester United in the final days of the summer market - but only after negotiations with City. It appeared Ronaldo was all set to sign for the Premier League title holders before a last minute intervention by United - including former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

However, Cherubini says a move to City for Ronaldo was never a guarantee given the English club's reluctance to cough up a fee for the 36 year-old striker.

"There were not the right conditions (to make a deal with City)," said Cherubini to Tuttosport via Bold, referring to the fact that City would not pay for Ronaldo.

"Manchester United behaved differently, as a club with traditions. It could not end any differently considering how Cristiano had talked to us about it. We could not force a player to stay in a place where he no longer saw himself."

Despite Juve's struggles this season and the record of 101 goals from 134 games Ronaldo boasted in a Bianconeri shirt, Cherubini insists the Turin giants will survive without the Portugal international.

He continued: "We respect Ronaldo, but I share our president's view: Juventus' history is created by great champions, coaches and directors, but the club remains the most important thing."

Ronaldo struck twice on his second debut for United in their 4-1 defeat of Newcastle on Saturday.

- updated September 13