Cristiano Ronaldo has laughed off criticism from Atletico Madrid supporters following speculation he could join the club.
The 37-year-old is desperately searching for a new club after he made it clear to Manchester United bosses that he wishes to leave. Ronaldo signed a two-year contract with the Red Devils last summer, but has become disillusioned after United could only manage a sixth-placed finish.
United's lowly position - earned by virtue of his 18 Premier League goals - was not good enough for a place in the Champions League. Meaning the tournament’s record scorer will have to compete in the Europa League for the first time in 20 years.
That is of course unless Ronaldo can engineer an exit before the September 1 deadline. Having missed United’s pre-season tour for “personal reasons”, he was back at Carrington on Tuesday in an attempt to thrash out a compromise.
United are adamant that the forward is not for sale and will be a part of Erik ten Hag’s squad for the Dutchman’s first season in charge. But despite the presence of Sir Alex Ferguson, it is understood Ronaldo was unmoved in his determination to seek an exit.
Where the goalscoring icon will end up is another matter however, with his list of potential suitors a short one. Chelsea and Bayern Munich have already ruled themselves out of the running, following extensive links with both.
Atletico Madrid then emerged as a surprise contender, despite his historic tenure at their cross-city rivals Real. Colchoneros boss Diego Simeone is said to be a big fan of the forward and is hoping to facilitate an unlikely move.
But the mere speculation has elicited a furious response from Atleti’s passionate fanbase, who within hours of the initial reports had set-up an online petition. A union representing fans of the club then issued a strongly worded statement, demanding the club distance themselves from the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Given the possibility that the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo is something more than a simple rumour, without any foundation whatsoever, we express our absolute rejection of a hypothetical incorporation into our Club, as we already publicly stated,” the statement read.
“The aforementioned player represents the antithesis of the values that constitute the hallmarks of our Atleti, such as effort, generosity, simplicity and humility of those who want to defend our values.
“Even in the unlikely event that a player in frank decline like Cristiano Ronaldo could secure a title, we would not accept your transfer. The sense of belonging to our Athletic feeling is not something that is within his reach, to his misfortune, for which he could never achieve our affection or recognition.
“Therefore, we ask the Club to reject his possible hiring, if at any time it has been considered.”
Match-going fans then made their feelings known during this week’s pre-season friendly with Numancia, unfurling a banner which read: “CR7 not welcome.”
And Ronaldo, who has kept his counsel throughout much of the saga has now taken to social media to respond to the banner with a series of laughing emojis. Even ignoring the fan reaction, an Atleti approach remains improbable, with president Enrique Cerezo assessing their chances as “practically impossible”.
