Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from the club this summer.
According to The Athletic, the 37-year-old informed the Old Trafford outfit of his desire to leave in search of Champions League football. However, the Premier League side wants to keep him at the club.
Ronaldo has not missed a season of Champions League football since 2002-03 when he was playing for Sporting Lisbon. He has played the last 19 seasons in the Champions League but Manchester United will not be able to provide him with that platform this season.
A report from Athletic claims that the player recently missed the club’s pre-season tour to Australia and Thailand owing to family reasons but in reality, he wants out of the Premier League club.
Apparently, the likes of Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli and PSG have been linked with moves for the 37-year-old but Ronaldo’s options are fading as neither of those clubs have come forward with a suitable offer.
Bayern have ruled out a move because he doesn’t fit their philosophy. Napoli cannot afford the player because of his massive wages. Chelsea are looking to reduce their wage bill and PSG already have the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi on their books.
The player had an option to move to Saudi Arabia but he turned down the chance.
Ronaldo is clearly good enough to play in the Champions League at 37, and he scored 24 goals last season. He apparently rejected a move to Saudi Arabia, as he can continue for two more tears in the top European leagues.
The player’s misfortunes could end up benefiting Manchester United and they will certainly hope that he can stay beyond this summer. After all, he is their best goalscorer and player.
