Cristiano Ronaldo has again told Manchester United of his desire to leave the club after a meeting with Erik ten Hag on Tuesday.
According to The Athletic, the main driving force behind Ronaldo’s transfer plea is Champions League football, something that the Old Trafford are unable to offer after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.
The 37-year-old wants to depart for a club playing in Europe’s premier club competition in order to cement his scoring record. He currently sits top of the all time Champions League scorers list with 140 goals, 15 ahead of arch rival Lionel Messi who is two years younger and will be playing in the Champions League with Paris Saint Germain.
The Portuguese mega star is also three goals behind Messi in the tally of Champions League group stage goals and that is something that he would want to change. It is believed that winning trophies and family reasons are also some of the reasons behind his decision to seek a future elsewhere.
His agent Jorge Mendes is working around the clock in order to find Ronaldo a new club. The Athletic reported that discussions have been held with the five time Ballon d’Or winner’s boyhood club, Sporting Lisbon. Ronaldo’s first professional club will be participating in the Champions League after finishing second in the Primeira Liga.
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However, raising the necessary funds to bring Ronaldo back to Lisbon could prove difficult for the Portuguese club. In addition, head coach Ruben Amorim is unsure about adding Ronaldo to his ranks, due to the huge change in team dynamic that the 37-year-old would cause.
On the bright side, signing Ronaldo will bring huge commercial advantages as he is able to attract endless marketing opportunities on the biggest stage.
Ronaldo returned to training at the club’s Carrington base this week after missing United’s pre season tour of Thailand and Australia due to family reasons.
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It is believed that he underwent medical tests and did some individual work on the grass but did not partake in the team session. He then watched United face Wrexham in a behind closed doors friendly on Wednesday.
Despite Ronaldo’s plea, United’s stance remains unchanged, they are adamant that he is not for sale. Ten Hag has previously said that Ronaldo is in his plans for the upcoming season.
If United are to part ways with Ronaldo, it will leave Anthony Martial as the sole senior centre forward at the club.
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The Red Devils are reportedly interested in Ajax forward Antony but are being put off by the huge €100 million price tag set by the Amsterdam club.
The new season is fast approaching and time is running out for Ronaldo to find a new club. Would he be forced to stay at United? Only time will tell.
Topics: Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Manchester United, Manchester United Transfer News & Rumours, Sporting Lisbon
Marcus Chan