Former Chelsea ace Joe Cole claims that Cristiano Ronaldo may have already decided his next club after his contract was mutually terminated at Manchester United. The 37-year-old missed out on a switch to the Blues in the summer after interest from new co-owner and interim sporting director Todd Boehly.
However, now that Ronaldo is a free agent, links have begun circulating again, with Chelsea able to land the Portuguese forward without the hassle of agreeing a deal with another club. For the mean time though, the veteran striker is on international duty with his nation for the World Cup.
He and Portugal will be looking to replicate their heroics from the European Championships triumph back in 2016, hopeful they can go all the way on the grandest stage. Discussing the decision, former club and current national teammate Bruno Fernandes told reporters: "It was a dream come true to play with Cristiano [at Manchester United ] but nothing lasts forever."
READ MORE: Can Chelsea register Cristiano Ronaldo in Premier League squad before January transfer window?
While the new transfer policy under Boehly-Clearlake at Chelsea revolves around younger talent, transfer business so far has shown they aren't afraid to lean on experienced heads. The likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang joined in the summer and amid their goal scoring woes, a move for Ronaldo is yet to be ruled out.
Former Blues star Cole believes that the forward has already decided his next club, however he added that he wouldn't take him at Stamford Bridge. Speaking on ITV before Portugal's clash with Ghana, he said: "I think he’ll be liberated, he’s drawn a line under it, no doubt him and his agent will have something up their sleeves. He’ll probably have his next club sorted already, but he’s a top - there’s only Messi I think who stands above him as the greatest of all time. He’d have had only this World Cup to think about for three-four weeks."
He then added: "No [he wouldn't take him at Chelsea], but listen, he’ll score goals, he’ll have an impact on this World Cup no doubt, but [to answer your question] no."
It remains to be seen where Ronaldo's future lies after the tournament, however full focus will likely be on taking Portugal as far as they can.
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