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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Kieran King

5 clubs Cristiano Ronaldo could join as he tells Man Utd he wants to leave Old Trafford

Cristiano Ronaldo is looking for a fresh challenge after he reportedly told Manchester United that he wants to leave the club.

As first reported by The Times and confirmed by Mirror Football, the 37-year-old is unhappy that he will not be playing in the Champions League next season, with United only qualifying for the Europa League - a competition he has never played in. Now, Ronaldo is seeking a new adventure and hopes to depart the Red Devils if they receive a satisfactory offer in the transfer window.

The Portugal international grabbed 24 goals in 38 games last season including 18 in the Premier League - the third-highest scorer in the division. Ronaldo only made a fairytale return to Old Trafford last summer following successful spells at Real Madrid and Juventus. So, with that in mind, here are five potential clubs that could sign Ronaldo.

PSG

With Neymar edging closer to leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the French giants could be looking to sign another attacker this summer. Ronaldo has previously been linked with a move to the club, and any potential switch to the Parc de Princes would see him line up alongside Lionel Messi for the first time in his career.

Angel di Maria has also departed PSG after seven years and the club may move for Ronaldo given his pedigree and goalscoring record over the past two decades. Kylian Mbappe starred through the middle for the majority of last season but could operate down the left to accommodate Ronaldo with Messi on the right.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Kylian Mbappe's Paris Saint-Germain back in 2018 (Getty Images)

Chelsea

The Blues are ready to bolster their forward options after Romelu Lukaku re-joined Inter Milan on a season-long loan last week. Ronaldo is a name that has been thrown into the mix with the player keen to play Champions League football - and Chelsea can guarantee that after they finished in third last campaign.

Kai Havertz is the Blues' only other central striker at the club after moving further forward from midfielder, while Timo Werner can also play through the middle when needed. But Ronaldo would bring some much-needed experience in those attacking areas and help ease Chelsea's struggles in front of goal.

Roma

Although Roma will be participating in the Europa League, the prospect of a return with Jose Mourinho could attract Ronaldo after the pair worked so successfully together at Real Madrid. There has been some speculation suggesting Mourinho would welcome the experienced forward to the Stadio Olimpico but finances could be an issue in getting this one over the line.

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring the opening goal for Juventus against Roma in February 2021 (Getty Images)

Where will Cristiano Ronaldo be playing his club football next season? Let us know in the comments below!

Tammy Abraham became the Romans' record signing after joining for around £40million last summer, and he is currently their highest-paid player on around £110,000 a week. With Ronaldo reportedly earning almost £500,000 a week at United, it seems unlikely that the two parties will be able to agree on terms. However, Roma could still manoeuvre something given Mourinho's relationship with Ronaldo.

Real Madrid

Having previously endured a highly-successful nine-year spell at Real Madrid, Ronaldo could return to Los Blancos after they failed in their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe earlier in the window. Karim Benzema is currently their only other senior forward in the squad and may need another option as they aim to win even more trophies.

Ronaldo struck 450 goals in 438 games for Real and helped them win multiple Champions League and La Liga titles over the course of his time in Madrid. It would be a remarkable move for both parties and the transfer could work if Los Blancos are willing to wait another two to three years for Mbappe or Erling Haaland.

Cristiano Ronaldo's last game for Real Madrid came in the Champions League final (Getty Images)

Bayern Munich

There has been plenty of talk surrounding Robert Lewandowski's future all summer, with the Poland attacker hoping to secure a move away from Bayern Munich. The 33-year-old has scored 344 goals in 375 matches for the German giants since he joined from Borussia Dortmund in 2014, but is seeking a new challenge.

Barcelona are looking to secure the services of the experienced forward when their financial situation stabilises, with Raphinha also a target for the Catalan side. Lewandowski's potential departure would leave a huge gap to fill but Ronaldo could slot into that hole perfectly given his prolific record. He also has never played in the Bundesliga and it would give him a chance to win a different league title.

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