Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window, reports The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell. The 37-year-old is yet to make a single appearance in their pre-season campaign under Erik ten Hag.
Cristiano Ronaldo has reiterated his desire to leave #MUFC, with Sporting explored as possible new club.
CL goals record v Lionel Messi seen as motivating factor.
Antony ruled out at this stage. Talks over Benjamin Sesko but Salzburg reluctant to sell.https://t.co/PacAp5bj1v
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) July 28, 2022
Cristiano Ronaldo Tells Manchester United That He Wants to Leave
Champions League Football Major Factor for Ronaldo’s Insistence for Summer Move
Ronaldo held discussions with the Red Devils’ executives after returning to Manchester on Monday. Despite him telling them about his desire to leave, the United hierarchy insists that they do not want to sell him.
A major reason behind the Portuguese forward wanting to leave is that he is desperate to play in the UEFA Champions League last season. He hopes to improve his all-time highest goals record in the competition.
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The 37-year-old sits on 140 goals and with Lionel Messi being 15 goals behind him, he doesn’t want to risk seeing his greatest rival break his record. The Manchester side obviously can’t guarantee him that after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.
No changes yet for Cristiano Ronaldo situation. Manchester United insist he’s not for sale, Cristiano told ten Hag in the last 24h that he still wants to leave. 🚨🔴 #MUFC
His agent Jorge Mendes will try again to find a solution. Waiting strategy on, as last year with Juventus. pic.twitter.com/6CjzS8WSdA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2022
Ronaldo Exploring Shocking Return to Sporting
Ronaldo is currently also exploring a potential move to Sporting, the club where he began his professional career. His agent Jorge Mendes has held talks with the Portuguese side about a move. However, the finances involving the deal can make it difficult to execute for the Liga Portugal club – considered an underdog or minnows in the Champions League.
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Moreover, Sporting’s manager Ruben Amorim himself has reservations about signing the 37-year-old forward because of how it would change his plans for the club. But, the Portuguese club are well aware that Ronaldo’s potential arrival can bring major commercial benefits as well as a boost in financial revenue.
United Forward Set to Continue Until Future Resolved
Despite him making it clear that he wants to leave, the veteran forward has resumed training with Ten Hag’s squad and has agreed to remain professional until his future is resolved. Ronaldo could even make his first appearance under the new manager in the Red Devils’ final pre-season game against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Read More: Every Premier League Transfer Completed in Summer 2022
But that doesn’t mean that he’s staying. The world-class forward is still urging his representatives to find a new Champions League club for himself and is adamant to orchestrate a summer transfer, hoping that his reputation and 24-goals heroics from last season can attract major attention.
