Cristiano Ronaldo has arrived at Manchester United's Carrington training ground with agent Jorge Mendes to discuss his future at the club.
The 37-year-old wants to leave the Red Devils less than 12 months after his sensational homecoming. Ronaldo, who made his way to Carrington around 11am - just five minutes before none other than Sir Alex Ferguson arrived at Carrington following him and Mendes - handed in a bombshell transfer request just days before he was due to jet off on United's pre-season tour. Instead of joining his teammates, the superstar stayed at home in Portugal for "family reasons."
New Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag, who's set to hold talks with Ronaldo today after arriving around 10:15am, insists that the striker is "not for sale." United also expect Ronaldo to carry out his contractual duties if a suitable buyer isn't found. Atletico Madrid are the club most heavily linked with a move, as Mirror Football understands that Old Trafford chiefs are willing to let their No.7 leave on loan - but only if he signs a contract extension.
The Portuguese hasn't featured for the Red Devils since May 7, having scored 24 goals in all competitions throughout his first season back in Manchester. Ronaldo returned to Old Trafford in August last year in a £12.9million move from Juventus.
Ten Hag has previously spoken to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, but not since Ronaldo informed the club that he wants to depart as soon as possible. The ex-Real Madrid talisman still has a burning desire to compete at the top of world football and play in the Champions League.
Atletico could offer him as much, as Ronaldo recently demonstrated his intention to stay in Europe by turning down an eye-watering £211m offer from Saudi Arabia. However, a move to the Spanish capital would tarnish his legacy as a bona fide Real Madrid legend.
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Not only is United ace back at Carrington along with Ferguson, but so is chief executive Richard Arnold as well as new signings Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen, who traveled in together at around 11:05am. The Old Trafford bigwigs will be hoping that their summer transfer business impressed Ronaldo, who'd be playing Europa League football if he decided to stay.
Ten Hag recently raised the topic of Ronaldo extending his £360,000-a-week deal by saying: "I am well informed, he also has an option, no? So, yes [he extend his contract]. "I have signed here for three years, but in football it's short-term as well. We have to win from the start. So I don't look that far ahead. I have a strategy, it's a process, it takes time, but in the end we have to make sure from the outset there is a winning team."
Asked if it was a concern that Ronaldo hasn't been training with the rest of the squad ahead of a possible return, the former Ajax manager stated: "I think we all know Ronaldo is a top professional and that he will be fit. So that is the last concern I have."
