Manchester United manager van Gaal has confirmed he wants to bring back Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford as soon as possible.
Louis van Gaal, on Sunday, was all over the back pages of British media outlets, with the astonishing comments that came after he was asked regarding the possible future transfer activity in January.
“He plays on the wings and he is fast and scores goals. I don’t think there is a trainer in the world that doesn’t like him. Of course, we would look,” he admitted when asked whether United would be desperate to sign Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
“We are looking at all players, not just Ronaldo. But these players are mostly ungettable, with Ronaldo, let’s wait and hope. There is no trainer in the world that doesn’t like him.” He further said after Saturday’s 2-1 win against Watford.
Former United star Ronaldo left Old Trafford for Spanish giants Real Madrid back in 2009, for a world record £80 million fee at that time.
Since joining Real he has become their all-time record goalscorer, but rumours always followed him which suggested one day Ronaldo will return to Old Trafford.
The Portuguese maestro turns 31 in February and spent a frustrating game against Barcelona as Real Madrid was humiliated by a 4-0 defeat at the Bernabeu on Saturday night.
However, he is said to be planning to leave Real at the end of this season after a sensational seven-year stint, while Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly leading the race to sign him.
With the Red Devils Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, following a sensational transfer from Sporting Lisbon in 2003 and eventually became Sir Alex Ferguson’s one of the most successful signings. The Real Madrid attacker has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award three times, including the past two years running.
These honours suggest signing Ronaldo will not be a cheap one for United. The Mail reported, Real has tagged a huge price of £60 million for their Portuguese superstar, surely an amazing sum if you look at his age, but it can rise even bigger when possible wages of around £250,000 to £300,000 are considered.
However, his excellent physical condition clearly suggests the Portuguese could continue his stunning career at the top level for longer than most of the players and may also eventually follow another Manchester United legend, Ryan Giggs by playing up to the age of 40.
Chelsea and PSG were also interested in signing the 3-time Ballon d’Or winner, but now they have to look elsewhere if Manchester United goes ahead for a deal for the superstar.