In another failed attempt to exit Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo has been rejected by Spanish giants Atletico Madrid for a transfer.
Its almost been a month now since Ronaldo has expressed his wish to leave United, but the striker is yet to find a new suitor. His agent, Jorgen Mendes has held talks with several clubs but unable to broker a deal.
Ronaldo, a five-time winner and all-time top scorer of the UEFA Champions League wants to continue to play in the elite European competition and hence has requested an exit.
However, after negotiations with Bayern Munich, PSG, Chelsea and now Atletico none of the European giants have bid for the Portuguese.
Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to take a ‘second consecutive’ pay-cut
The primary reason for no club wanting to facilitate the incoming of the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been his wages. Ronaldo is one of the top-three earners of the game which now stands between him and an United exit.
However, according to COPE Jorge Mendes had offered Atletico to sign Ronaldo on lower wages than he pockets right now at United.
The super-agent had reportedly held a meeting with Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil Marin, when he tabled the generous offer.
Though Marin was overwhelmed by the offer, he politely declined the transfer since Atletico themselves are in deep trouble with Financial Fair Play.
The Rojiblancos need to significantly cut down their wages, and adding Ronaldo to their roster would have only worsened the situation. Marin, as a result kept away from the tempting opportunity to land the former Real Madrid star.
While the move is off, it is still mindboggling that Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to take another pay-cut. The 37-year-old took a massive £425k-a-week pay cut last summer to join United from Juventus.
His current wages reportedly amount up to £475k-a-week, which could undergo another alteration if he leaves this summer.
Meanwhile, Man United boss Erik ten Hag has once again reiterated that Cristiano Ronaldo ‘is not for sale’. The Dutchman has also revealed that he is planning for next season with Ronaldo in the picture.