Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 450 goals for Real Madrid, is eyeing a return to Spain with rivals Atletico Madrid as he plans his exit from Manchester United this summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain as he continues to pursue a move to Atletico Madrid.
Due to personal obligations, the Portuguese superstar was granted permission to miss United’s Asia and Australia tour. However, the 37-year-old is still eager to end his second stint at Old Trafford after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Ronaldo has been approached by several of Europe’s finest clubs, but the striker has been hampered by the fact that his eye-watering £475,000-a-week salaries can only be afforded by a limited number of clubs, even after offering to reduce his demands by 30%. And his options are dwindling now that Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and PSG have all withdrawn from contention.
His only realistic choices are a loan move to his childhood club Sporting Lisbon or a high-profile permanent move to Atletico Madrid. The Rojiblancos have yet to clarify their intentions regarding Ronaldo, but according to The Sunday Times, the United star is eager to join Diego Simeone’s side.
Given Ronaldo’s historic nine-year run with city rivals Real Madrid, when he scored 450 goals, such a move would have appeared inconceivable at one point in his career. However, there are several compelling reasons for the renowned striker to return to Spain.
Ronaldo is a player who is propelled by his own accomplishments and records, as well as the growing number of titles in his trophy cabinet. And he’d like to erase Lionel Messi’s name from several La Liga records while still retaining his title as the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer with 137 goals.
However, with United out for at least one season and Messi playing for PSG, the Argentinian would have a chance to narrow the deficit.
In addition to helping Atletico push Real Madrid and Barcelona for the Liga title, Ronaldo is reported to have been pleased by Simeone’s work and determination to sign him. Older strikers like Luis Suarez and Diego Costa have shown they can fit into his formation, making a move more enticing.
According to reports, Ronaldo’s girlfriend, Georgina Rodriguez, is eager for their young family to return to Madrid, where they met and previously lived. After the recent birth of a baby boy, the couple now has five children.
Another consideration is if United will be willing to sell. Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman who came over as head coach this summer, has made it plain that he expects Ronaldo to aid his team.
“We have Cristiano Ronaldo lined up for the season, and that’s it.” I’m excited to collaborate with him “According to the Dutchman, “Cristiano will not be sold. He’s in our goals, and we all want to succeed together.”
With Ronaldo clearly set on leaving Manchester with only five weeks left in the transfer window, a return to Spain cannot be ruled out, especially given super agent Jorge Mendes’ market dominance.
