Premier League
Man United training without Ronaldo – rumors of change about CR7
Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo has been released from training. Photo: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire/dpa
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Cristiano Ronaldo is missing the first days of training at Manchester United – officially because of “family reasons”. This fuels rumors about the superstar’s premature departure.
Speculations about a farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United are intensifying. The most prominent player in the English record champions has already apologized for the first training sessions of the new season.
“For family reasons,” said United succinctly. Fans and the media reacted skeptically. The absence of the five-time world footballer comes at the wrong time.
Man United is said to have made it clear to his Portuguese superstar that the club is planning with him for the coming season. Just two days before the Portuguese’s planned first meeting with his new coach Erik ten Hag, it was leaked from Ronaldo’s environment that he wanted to leave the club just a year after his return. There are many rumors about alleged candidates.
Chelsea FC:
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has met player agent Jorge Mendes, who also represents Ronaldo, according to The Athletic. The future of the Portuguese is said to have been an issue. Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel raved about Ronaldo last year. However, it is questionable whether he actually wants the superstar in his team. Especially since the blues currently have other urgent construction sites.
FC Barcelona:
It would probably come as a shock to Real Madrid fans if their one-time favorite switched to arch-rivals Barça. According to the Spanish newspaper “AS”, Ronaldo advisor Mendes is said to have also spoken to the Catalans about a change from CR7. Barcelona actually wants to sign Robert Lewandowski (34) from Bayern Munich. The Pole also wants to change, but so far it has failed because of the transfer fee.
SSC Neapel:
The former Maradona club is said to have expressed interest, according to The Athletic. In Serie A, Ronaldo had already played for Juventus for three years before returning to Man United. With Juve he won the league twice and the cup once. It didn’t work out with the hoped-for win of the Champions League. After all, Naples is represented in the premier class in the coming season.
AS Rom:
Roma should also have Ronaldo on the list. Their coach José Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid, reportedly wants to try everything to lure his compatriot. However, the Romans, who just won the Conference League, will only play in the Europa League next season. That should not meet Cristiano Ronaldo’s sporting requirements.
FC Bayern:
British media reported that Ronaldo consultant Mendes had also offered his clients on Säbener Strasse. However, Bayern’s sports director Hasan Salihamidzic denied this. Ronaldo is “a top player,” he emphasized on the Sky TV channel. “The rumor that’s circulating, however, is a rumor that has nothing to do with it.”
Sporting Lissabon:
Ronaldo’s return to his youth club Sporting Lisbon, where he played until he was 18, is considered similarly unlikely. Although Sporting will play in the Champions League next season, it would be difficult for the Portuguese to financially support Ronaldo and it remains a dream for the fans.
Manchester United:
It is quite possible that Ronaldo will fulfill his contract and play for the Red Devils next season. His threatened departure is probably also a warning to the club bosses: His whereabouts are said to depend on how Man United strengthens under Erik ten Hag after several prominent departures on the transfer market. Christian Eriksen is said to come from Brentford FC. Frenkie de Jong from FC Barcelona is considered the preferred candidate.
