Cristiano Ronaldo is highly expected to take drastic step in order to escape Manchester United this summer. The 37-year-old forward is anticipating a move back to his boyhood club Sporting Lisbon, who circled around him after his decision to exit United. However, the Portuguese club has emerged as an unexpected destination for Ronaldo, who was tipped to switch sides within Europe’s top-five leagues.
The former Sporting CP player has stood firm on his ultimate decision to quit Old Trafford given the club’s dire situation. Ronaldo has reiterated to the club that he wants his continuation in the Champions League and hence needs to leave United. Moreover, the club’s ailing condition in the transfer market has only made Cristiano’s case stronger.
Sporting the ultimate option for Cristiano Ronaldo after Chelsea, Atletico back out
As soon as the news of Cristiano Ronaldo deciding to leave United broke out, a host of Europe’s elite clubs gathered around Old Trafford. Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Sporting CP all registered their interest in acquiring the services of the 37-year-old.
However, the likes of Chelsea, Bayern and Atletico cooled-off their pursuit owning to various reasons. As a result, Sporting remain the only ones on the list who can satisfy Ronaldo’s strong desire to feature in the Champions League. But according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, a deal between Cristiano and Sporting is easier said than done given the complications.
The mercurial forward is one of the highest earners in world football and Sporting evidently won’t be able to bear his wages at their club. Ronaldo will need to take a massive pay-cut if he is to make another epic return to one of his former clubs this summer.
Furthermore, United reportedly are ready to part ways with their no.7 for a fee as minimum as £14 million. While Sporting can afford the fee, they will still have to convince Ronaldo to accept a wage-cut. The report from Aouna adds that the Portuguese champions’ sporting director Hugo Viana is rigorously working under the hat to facilitate Ronaldo’s return.
Cristiano Ronaldo rose to fame playing for Sporting back in 2002. It was then when United scouted and brought him to England in 2003. He had scored 5 goals and assisted 6 in 31 games for Sporting as United paid the Portuguese side £17 million to land their talent. He then went on to rack up 118 goals in 294 appearances for the Red Devils in his first spell, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League among many other trophies.
The summer of returns could continue for Ronaldo who made a comeback to United last season after over a decade. Having accomplished everything in football, he could well stage another dramatic return to Sporting this summer.