Former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy believes that Cristiano Ronaldo’s motivation to continue playing in the Champions League is among "biggest factors" for him wanting to leave Manchester United.
Last weekend, Ronaldo told the Red Devils that he would be open to leaving the club this summer if a suitable offer was to come in for him, just a year after leaving Juventus to join United following 12 years away from Greater Manchester.
However, if Ronaldo stays at United, he faces a first campaign since the 2002/03 season without Champions League football, with the Red Devils only qualifying for next season’s Europa League.
Ronaldo has played in the Champions League in each of the last 19 campaigns and holds the record for scoring the most goals in it, with 141 from 186 appearances in the competition and has scored 16 more goals than any other player in it.
Former Anfield midfielder Murphy, who played for Liverpool for seven years between 1997 and 2004, feels that the chance not to play in the Champions League or compete at the highest level next season for United are among the key reasons why Ronaldo wants to leave just 11 months after rejoining the club for an initial £12.85million fee.
Murphy, speaking on behalf of 888, told Mirror Football: “It seems to be. He is very focused on the records that he wants to achieve and the goals that he wants to score and the Champions League is the biggest platform to show your talents. He’s been a remarkable footballer and still is, he probably feels he’s got lots more to give.
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“He probably looks at his season last season and thinks ‘I’ve scored 24 goals in a side that has struggled, what would I get in a side with a bit more quality around me and more consistency?’ I think the Champions League probably would be one of the biggest factors, but ultimately winning trophies isn’t it?
“I think the best players in the world want to be remembered for winning the most trophies and being part of successful teams. They don’t want to be part of a squad that’s fighting to get into the top four, that is not his mentality but I think the Champions League is one of the biggest factors, as well as winning trophies, and he probably just doesn’t see that happening.”
Ronaldo has been heavily linked with interest from Chelsea in recent days since the news of his transfer request was made public. Bayern Munich, who have won the Bundesliga title in each of the last ten seasons, have also been linked with interest in Ronaldo.
Of Ronaldo’s 24 goals in all competitions last season, 18 of them came in the Premier League, making him the third top scorer in the division, only behind joint-golden boot winners Mohamed Salah and Son Heung-Min (23).
Ronaldo has a year left on his contract at Old Trafford but is yet to return to pre-season training, having been initially due back at the club’s Carrington training ground on Monday.
Danny Murphy was speaking on behalf of 888 . Head to 888 now to play a range of exciting and entertaining games.
