While Cristiano Ronaldo is being linked with both the Madrid clubs for a move, former Real Madrid sporting director Pedja Mijatovic claims that the forward won’t end up at Atletico by any chance.
Cristiano has remained adamant on his decision to leave united after conveying the same in his face-to-face meeting with the new boss Erik ten Hag.
His agent Jorge Mendes has contacted over four to five ‘Champions League’ clubs including an unexpected name, Atletico Madrid to broker a transfer for his client.
His links to Atletico have emerged as a shocker for the fans of both the Madrid sides. Ronaldo has often found himself at crossroads with the Rojiblancos, be it with Real, Juventus or Manchester United.
The 37-year-old who has always been a menace to Atletico whenever pitched against them, could now don their colours next season. But Mijatovic feels that won’t be the case despite all the rumours that have furled up.
‘Don’t think it’s going to happen’- Mijatovic on Cristiano Ronaldo to Atletico
Mendes had first approached Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid for Cristiano’s transfer, only to face rejection from each of them.
In a last gasp attempt to get his client what he wants, the Champions League football Mendes has established contacts with Atletico Madrid.
Moreover, Atletico have too have reciprocated with firm interest since manager Diego Simeone believes it is an exciting opportunity to have the man who has scored 25 goals against them in 37 games.
Mijatovic nevertheless, while speaking to El Larguero on Cadena Ser has ruled out the possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo turning up in the Madrid derby against Real.
“How will Cristiano Ronaldo end up at Atletico Madrid? I don’t think it’s going to happen,” started Mijatovic.
“I don’t know the situation, I don’t have any privileged information, but I think the same way, as everyone else does.”
The former sporting director of Real, who accomplished the remarkable signing such as Pepe, Marcelo, Gonzalo Higuan and Ruud Van Nistelrooy at the club further cited his reasons for making the claims.
“Among other things that have been said in the last 20 days there is the possibility of Atletico Madrid, but I don’t believe it, for many reasons.
“It would be a very strange thing to see Cristiano Ronaldo return to Madrid and play the derbies against Real Madrid. I would have to rub my eyes. It would be a dream, it’s not happening.”
On the other hand, Atletico fans too have let known their feelings to the club hierarchy by putting up a ‘CR7 not welcome’ banner during the club’s friendly game against Numancia.