Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has weighed in on the hottest headline of the week as Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Manchester United was confirmed on Friday.
The 36-year-old forward was rumoured to be closing in on a move to Manchester City but late interest from Manchester United swung his desire towards Old Trafford instead of an unthinkable stay at the Etihad Stadium.
Manchester United have confirmed that it has reached an agreement with Juventus for his transfer, with completion of the deal subject to personal terms, visa, and medical.
Klopp has now delivered his reaction to the deal and seems far from happy, suggesting that short-term success is being prioritised.
“I watched that (the Ronaldo transfer) like a football supporter and it is not about me to judge that,” Klopp is quoted as saying by the Evening Standard. “If other clubs can do this, it is not a business of the future. It is for now and immediately.
“That is how some clubs are working and that is fine. There must be different ways, a team – two or three years later and you need success… you need to make sure you develop as a team and club, and that is what we did.”
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The response is typically downbeat from the Liverpool man, who never seems to pass up on an opportunity to hit out at his fiercest rival.
Ronaldo was not registered in time to feature for Manchester United this weekend and will instead link up with his Portugal teammates ahead of this week’s international break but a debut could come straight after.
Manchester United face Newcastle at Old Trafford on September 11 and there is a good chance Ronaldo makes his second debut for the club.
