Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is once again dominating the headlines amid suggestions the Portuguese ace has asked to leave Manchester United.
Reports from The Times claim Ronaldo has asked to be allowed to leave Old Trafford should the club receive a satisfactory offer this summer. The 37-year-old’s decision is said to be based on his desire to play Champions League football for the remainder of his career.
Ronaldo’s future has been a constant source of speculation since he made his return to Old Trafford last summer. United’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League has only served to fuel the fire that he could look to leave with a year still remaining on his contract.
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United have been adamant that the Portuguese ace is not for sale, following reports that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, discussed the possibility of a move to Chelsea with the Blues’ new owner Todd Boehly. The speculation has continued ahead of Ronaldo’s expected return to training.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has rarely spoken about his future over the past year, although he did touch upon it earlier this summer. In a statement released by United, Ronaldo seemed to suggest he was planning on staying with the club next season.
“It’s still my motivation to carry on working hard, to still love the passion for the game and, of course, Manchester and my teammates help me all the way so I have to appreciate all the people who help Cristiano,” he said. “It’s always nice to score goals for this club. When it is a hat-trick it’s even more [nice].
“But the most important thing for me is to try to win the games and try to win some championship or some cup but I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. Sometimes it takes time, but I still believe.”
Ronaldo also spoke about United boss Erik ten Hag. "I know that he has done a fantastic job at Ajax, and that he is an experienced coach, but we have to give him time," he added.
"Things must change the way he wants. If you do well, all of Manchester United will succeed, so I wish you all the best.
"We are all happy and excited [with the arrival], not only as players, but as fans as well. We have to believe that next year we can win titles."
Ten Hag has also touched on Ronaldo’s future. Before arriving in England, the new United boss made his intentions clear in an interview with De Telegraaf.
“Ronaldo is a giant, because of what he’s already shown and I think he’s still very ambitious,” Ten Hag said. “Of course I would like to keep him. He’s been very important to Manchester United this year and can produce great statistics.”
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