Flamengo president brutally snubs talk of move for Cristiano Ronaldo, says he would only be on the bench

Flamengo's president has savaged Cristiano Ronaldo and says he would only make the team's bench as he laughed off speculation of a move.

Ronaldo has returned to the fold at Manchester United after being punished for refusing to come on as a substitute against Spurs, starting the last three games.

He continues to be linked with a move away from Old Trafford, however, and Flamengo were named as a potential suitor.

The Brazilian giants have just won the Copa Libertadores, the South American equivalent of the Champions League, after beating Athletico Paranaense 2-1 in the final thanks to a winner from former Inter Milan striker Gabriel Barbosa.

Their squad includes household names like Arturo Vidal, David Luiz, Diego and Filipe Luis and there was talk that a big-money move for Ronaldo was being prepared.

However, Rodolfo Landim has emphatically denied that they are in for Ronaldo and claims the 37-year-old wouldn't even get in their side.

"I don't know where it came from but they have a lot of creativity," Landim said 'Papo Reto' podcast, as per Record.

"First of all, I ask: For whose place? It's to be on the bench. From what I've read on the internet, I don't know if it's true or not, he would have been offered $242million [£215m] for a two-year contract. Divided by 24 months, that's about $10m a month.

'Talk about a value far above the entire salary sheet of Flamengo for Cristiano Ronaldo.

"To be Pedro or Gabigol's [Gabriel Barbosa] substitute? I can't… nobody here is going to go crazy things.

"The amateur time of managing, of thinking that in the future we'll pay the bills, that no longer exists. There is no possibility of taking a step that is not firm."

Landim was also asked about a speculative transfer for Neymar. He admitted it would be a "dream" to have the Selecao's main star in their ranks but believes clubs in Brazil do not have the required finances.

Ronaldo wanted out at United in the summer but no suitable offers arrived and he stayed put, scoring once in nine Premier League outings this term.

Image: Alamy

He set up Alejandro Garnacho's first goal for the club in the 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, with the 18-year-old performing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's new celebration.

Ronaldo finished the game playing as a striker alongside Harry Maguire, who was flung on as United tried to get a second goal to secure top spot.