Ronaldo denies convincing Brady to come out of retirement

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo denies he had a hand in Tom Brady's decision to come out of retirement.

Ronaldo met up with Brady at Old Trafford on March 12, and at one point, they discussed the quarterback's future. Brady announced a day later that he was returning to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a 40-day retirement, prompting speculation that Ronaldo persuaded him to play another season.

Ronaldo was asked about the exchange during an interview with British broadcaster Piers Morgan, and the superstar dismissed the idea that he convinced Brady to unretire.

"Psychology, see. I'm a good psychologist," Ronaldo joked. "I thought he took the decision a few weeks before. But it was good. ... He's a very, very smart guy. He knows a lot about football. We had a nice conversation."

The 45-year-old Brady told reporters last week that he has no regrets about coming back for a 23rd NFL season, saying, "I returned because I felt like I wanted to compete." The 5-5 Bucs are first in the NFC South.