Cristiano Ronaldo has now confirmed his return to action for Manchester United. After missing whole of United’s preseason tours in Thailand and Australia, Ronaldo will finally take the field for United.
However, the Portugal international is set to miss United’s game against Atletico Madrid, a club which he is linked to, despite reporting to training at the start of last week.
But he has made himself available for United’s final preseason friendly before the Premier League season kick-off against another Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.
On the other hand, his agent Jorge Mendes is still in contacts with other clubs for a potential transfer of his client. Ronaldo has remained firm on his stance of wanting to play in the Champions League and hence is seeking an exit.
Cristiano Ronaldo to play for the first time after crunch talks with Ten Hag
Cristiano turned up to Carrington on July 25 to participate in the first training session under Ten Hag. The forward however not only trained but also held a meeting with the manager along with Mendes to sort out his future.
Ronaldo reportedly rejected every idea of Ten Hag who was rested with the task of changing the striker’s mind. The 37-year-old told the manager his decision of leaving the club and that should plan for the next season without him in the picture.
But Cristiano Ronaldo has assured the club he will display absolute professionalism in training while at the club. And has now claimed he is ready to feature in the Rayo Vallecano game.
The forward through his Instagram handle announced- ‘Sunday, the king plays’. United play Rayo on Sunday and Ronaldo is all set to don the Red Devils’ kit for the first time after his decision to leave.
Manchester United’s official website too seem to imply that the striker will play against Rayo. The statement from the club read, ‘Some of those absent from the squad will take part in Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano, while others are ill or injured.’
It further added, ‘The squads for the matches have been designed to ensure that available players get adequate game-time across the two fixtures.’
The 2022/23 Premier League season is one week away, with United hosting Brighton in their first game on 7th of August.
Meanwhile, the United player has dismissed the ‘lies’ circulating in the media about his exit from the club.
Ronaldo commenting on a post which speculated on his future wrote, “Impossible not to talk about me one day. Otherwise the press makes no money. You know that if you don’t lie you can’t get people’s attention. Keep going that one day you get some news right.”
His agent on the other hand, is making vigorous trips around Europe to find a new suitor for Ronaldo before the new season commences.