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Desperation in the Ronaldo camp. The Portuguese is keen to leave Manchester after just one year. But nobody wants him. Is there a move to ex-archrival Atlético Madrid?
Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, even Napoli have tried Jorge Mendes – without success. As the assembled footballing world awaits Cristiano Ronaldo’s next big transfer, his agent is sent from top club to top club and brushed off as if he’s carrying the latest UEFA fair play rules with him. What now for «CR7»?
“He’s not for sale and I’m looking forward to working with him,” said ManUnited boss Erik ten Hag recently, causing the media to smile in the first place.
Of course, it has long been an open secret that the Portuguese – who previously missed the entire preparation with his team for “family reasons” – is feverishly looking for a new club. Because with United, Ronaldo would not appear in the Champions League for the first time since 2003. An absolute no-go for the competition’s record goalscorer.
The problem: Nobody wants the Portuguese. And so Ronaldo could actually go on to score for United in the Europa League next season. Unless the emergency solution comes into play.
Calculated Atlético Madrid?
The 37-year-old’s desperation seems so great that the long-time real star is said to have even knocked on arch-rival Atlético Madrid. At least if you consider the latest rumors from the Spanish magazine «AS» gives faith. And it doesn’t seem to look that bad at all.
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The magazine claims that the decision has already been made by the “Rojiblancos” and that the commitment has been given the “green light”. The reason for this is apparently the good relationship between Ronaldo advisor Mendes and Atlético managing director Gil Marin.
Cristiano in Wanda? That would be awesome!
But nothing has been decided yet. A look at the media shows just how confusing the reporting of a change in Portuguese is. Who instead of the “AS” the “Brand» leads to heart, experiences the exact opposite. Atlético should not be interested in signing the 37-year-old at all. Such a thing is financially simply “not feasible”. Accordingly, the rumors came from Ronaldo’s orbit, where a solution is still being feverishly sought. There seems to be something to it, because the “AS” is now rowing back a bit.
And if the signature at Atlético falls into the water, the superstar will slowly but surely run out of options. A possible return home to Sporting Lisbon was buried by Ronaldo himself, when he called the rumors “fake news”.. And Bayern sports director Oliver Kahn immediately nipped in the bud new rumors about Lewandowski’s departure to Barcelona. “Every club has a certain philosophy and I’m not sure if it would be the right signal for Bayern and the Bundesliga if we got him now. Such a change does not necessarily fit with the ideas that we are pursuing here at FC Bayern,” he quotes the “Bild».
Contract extension in Manchester?
Chelsea also turned on their heels at Ronaldo, although media reports said an oral agreement had already been reached with the player. Up to that point, only club owner Todd Boehly had spoken. Thomas Tuchel was anything but enthusiastic about the idea, and Manchester United also showed no interest whatsoever in entering into negotiations, whereupon the Blues backed down.
While the internet is hilariously amused by such reports, Red Devils coach Erik ten Hag confirms his club’s point of view. “According to my information, he has the option to extend until 2024,” said the Dutchman, who apparently even believes in a contract extension for the 37-year-old.
Somehow everything screams for a typical “What you have, you don’t want” situation. And without wanting to offend Ronaldo, it just suits the eccentric Portuguese. After all, he is once again the big topic of the summer transfer window.
Anyway…here are the best laughs on the web.