Eintracht Frankfurt CEO Axel Hellmann has revealed his club were offered the chance to sign ex-Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo a few months ago.
While still contracted at Old Trafford during the summer, the Portugal international wanted to leave. Several clubs sent in offers to sign him with a Saudi Arabian side, the club with the highest bid.
However, despite a lack of high-level suitors, Ronaldo preferred to stay in Europe and pursue Champions League football.
One side tentatively linked with Ronaldo was Frankfurt. The German side entered their first season in the Champions League this season after their Europa League triumph last season. The Bundesliga side were offered the opportunity to sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner but felt they were not the only ones.
In an interview with DAZN via 90min, the club chief Hellmann confirmed that Frankfurt were approached about a possible deal for Ronaldo.
“[Ronaldo] was even offered to us,” he said. “I have the feeling he was offered to every Champions League club.”
Ronaldo has since left Manchester United on mutual consent after falling out with the club coach and hierarchy over what he called a lack of respect.
He is yet to announce where he will play in the coming months but is thought to still be keen on transferring to a club in the UCL. His desire to remain in the competition is to help extend his scoring record, particularly with fierce rival Lionel Messi breathing down his neck.
Yet, he continues to be linked with Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr, who have reportedly offered him a world-record deal that will make him the world’s highest-paid athlete. However, he has yet to accept the offer and is still silent about his future.
