It wouldn't be a summer transfer window without a relentlessly predictable Cristiano Ronaldo 'will he/won't he/he definitely fucking won't' transfer saga, and here we are again, with Real Madrid's all time leading goal scorer reportedly pulling the 'sod this massive contract and regular Champions League winners medals, I'm off' card.
Of course, when these situations have reared their head in previous years, they've always been designed to engineer an improved contract for Ronaldo at the Bernabeu, rather than a move away from the Spanish capital.
However, this time, it is the Portugal captain's disdain for the Spanish authorities that is prompting his unhappiness and apparent desire to leave the European champions.
Ronaldo is facing a hard time from the Spanish authorities, prompting rampant speculation that he wants to leave the Bernabeu. Images: PA
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A charge relating to €14 million worth of tax fraud is being leveled at the four time Ballon d'Or winner, a charge he fiercely denies, and could (but absolutely, definitely won't) lead to a prison sentence.
And now, a piece of advice Ronaldo received from a fellow Manchester United legend and Los Blancos Galactico once again seems rather pertinent.
David Beckham, who left Old Trafford for the Bernabeu, in 2003, was asked about Ronaldo's future during a previous report of unrest back in 2015 and admitted that, had the opportunity ever presented itself, he would have returned to United in a heartbeat.
The only time Beckham turned out for United again after leaving in 2003 was for Gary Neville's testimonial match, in 2011. Image: PA
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"I'd have crawled back if I could but I never had the opportunity.
"I'd never advise any player to not return to Man Utd. If he decides to leave Real Madrid, then for me personally, the only place that he should come is back to United.
"Cristiano is such a fans' favourite here, he was so successful here, such a hard worker. Everyone you talk to or has played with him says he is one of the most talented players in the world."
Whether Ronaldo heeds Beckham's advice is another matter entirely, but it is believed that Jose Mourinho would welcome a move for the four time Champions League winning forward, who he worked with between 2010-2013 as Real manager.
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Given that United are being heavily linked with several forwards following their release of the injured Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a move for Ronaldo would make a lot of sense, although chances are, much like Lionel Messi and Neymar in similar, recent situations, Ronaldo will avoid any actual jail time, pay a hefty fine and continue to bang goals in for fun in La Liga.
(H/T Give Me Sport)
Topics: Football, Manchester United, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid