Atletico Madrid, fierce rivals of Real Madrid have reportedly been contacted by Cristiano Ronaldo regarding a transfer back to Spain. Just months after moving to Saudi Arabia on a free transfer, the Portuguese star is eager to leave his Riyadh-based club Al Nassr.
According to a report by El Nacional, Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy in the Middle East despite his record wage package and seeking an exit. He has made the decision to return to Europe for non-football related reasons, and is considering moving to Spain where he arguably enjoyed the best phase of his career.
Cristiano Ronaldo eyeing to take advantage of Atletico’s striker problems
Atletico are facing striker problems going into this summer’s transfer market. Joao Felix has been loaned to Chelsea from, and it appears the Blues are willing to keep him for long-term on a permanent deal after impressing. Furthermore, the Rojiblancos also sold Matheus Cunha to Wolverhampton and hence are currently searching for strikers.
Cristiano Ronaldo is urging to join them since he wants to capitalise on the circumstance. However, Jorge Mendes, who had a brilliant relationship with Atletico’s hierarchy no longer represents him which could it difficult for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to seal a move there. According to The Athletic, Ronaldo severed all the ties with Mendes after he was unable to secure him a transfer to an European club after Manchester United sacked him.
Last summer, there were rumours that Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to leave United, and he was linked to a number of teams. However, he remained at Old Trafford for a few months before being let go as a result of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. Atletico Madrid were one of the teams linked with Ronaldo, although they denied those reports after a fan outrage.
Despite Atletico president appeared to rule out any interest, an association of recognised Atletico supporters group took the prospect seriously enough to issue a statement. The statement read, “This player represents the antithesis of the values which constitute Atletico’s identity,” which voiced their “absolute rejection of this hypothetical signing for our club.”
Additionally, it stated that they would not sign “a player in clear decline like Cristiano Ronaldo” even if he could guarantee the squad a championship. Although Atletico supporters have already embraced ex-Madrid players; current midfielder Marcos Llorente, who joined the team without incident in 2019, is now one of the squad’s most well-liked players, Cristiano Ronaldo would be on a whole different level and a would take a lot more from Diego Simeone’s side to make this move happen.