The future of five-time Ballon D'or winner Cristiano Ronaldo will intensify over the next month ahead of the January transfer window following confirmation of his Manchester United exit on Tuesday. Ronaldo has mutually left the Red Devils with immediate effect after his outrageous TV interview with Piers Morgan last week.
Uncertainty surrounding his future has been largely discussed since the summer following a number of incidents at Old Trafford. Ronaldo reportedly rejected an offer worth £210 million from Saudi Arabia in the summer after wanting out of Erik ten Hag's side and has caused endless controversy this season, including his infamous burst down the tunnel before the final whistle against Tottenham.
Now, Ronaldo is a free agent. He kicks off, possibly, his final World Cup campaign with Portugal on Thursday afternoon against Ghana and will put his club football to the back of his mind. For now. But that won't stop the rest of the football world discussing where his future lies for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Man United by mutual agreement amid Todd Boehly Chelsea links
Chelsea have been one club strongly linked with signing the Portuguese striker. Ronaldo's name was mentioned in the fallout of Thomas Tuchel's sacking when the German rejected the chance to acquire him after Todd Boehly had met with his agent Jorge Mendes.
It's likely that rumours will continue to grow linking Ronaldo with a move to Stamford Bridge, while a return to Real Madrid has also been reported. Where he goes next is unknown to the public, but former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes work behind the scenes will already be underway.
"I think both parties will be delighted now," Ferdinand told BBC Sport. "He has obviously done that with the mindset that he wanted to get out of the football club and wasn't happy.
"He made that very clear. I also think that Ten Hag has got what he wanted in this situation. Both parties are happy. Move on and it's the next chapter for Ronaldo."
Asked what he thinks Ronaldo's next chapter is, Ferdinand added: "I think it depends what his motivation is, is it Champions League? Is it money? Is it just to continue playing somewhere with a nice climate? This will be planned out and will be going on behind the scenes."
CLICK HERE TO HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHETHER CHELSEA SHOULD SIGN RONALDO
READ NEXT:
Karim Benzema helps Real Madrid make Cristiano Ronaldo transfer decision despite Chelsea 'talks'
Chelsea loan latest as two transfer plans become clear during World Cup break and Ampadu shines
Edouard Mendy World Cup error forces Graham Potter to address awkward Chelsea transfer question
Frenkie de Jong sends Chelsea clear transfer message in open attack on Barcelona board
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
