Cristiano Ronaldo does not want to spend next season with Manchester United.
The former Real Madrid Galactico re-joined the Red Devils last summer.
However, although the Portuguese megastar netted a brace against Newcastle United on his second Old Trafford debut, things turned sourer the closer we got to the end of the season.
Failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League has meant the 37-year-old now wants to move to a club competing for Europe’s most prestigious trophy.
Although United are adamant the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is not up for sale, the attacker’s super-agent Jorge Mendes appears to have other ideas.
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According to a recent report by CBS Sports’ Ben Jacobs, Ronaldo is willing to take a financial hit in order to force a move away from Old Trafford.
Jorge Mendes is making it clear to clubs put off by his wages that Cristiano Ronaldo is willing to take a significant pay cut, potentially as high as 30%. Ronaldo remains interested in an Atleti move. But club continue to distance themselves, as previously reported.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2022
However, even though United’s legendary number seven is willing to sacrifice almost a third of his pay, Mendes is finding it incredibly difficult to convince a club, including former side Real Madrid, to make an approach for his star client.
Atleti sources reiterate that the club are simply not in a financial position to move. Atleti have termed signing Ronaldo “problematic”. A Real return is also not an option. There is no appetite for it on Real’s side.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2022
Sources close to Ronaldo say he’s keen to not only play #UCL but join a club where he feels burden of output isn’t solely on him. He wants support, which he believes is key to maintaining his peak. This is particularly important in a World Cup year with added games mid-season.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 21, 2022
The fact Carlo Ancelotti’s Los Blancos are not interested in re-signing their record goalscorer really says a lot about the predicament the 37-year-old finds himself in.
Unless Mendes can work his magic, Ronaldo looks set to see out the remainder of his contract with United, and should that be the case, it’ll be interesting to see how fans welcome him back.
