August 28, (THEWILL) – 19 years after Portuguese superstar, Cristiano Ronaldo, left Sporting CP, where his professional career started, for Manchester United, the Primeira Liga club is looking at ways to convince him to get back into the team
Ronaldo and his representatives informed United earlier this summer that he wanted to leave the team in order to play in the UEFA Champions League going forward, after United failed to make the cut last season. And, he is eager to leave before the transfer window closes on Thursday, September 1.
The 37-year-old has just over 10 months left on the two-year contract he signed when he joined from Juventus, but he is eager to keep playing at the highest level and increase his goal-scoring total in European football’s top club competition. He was once again used as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 victory over Southampton on Saturday.
Erik ten Hag has repeatedly insisted that Ronaldo is “not for sale,” despite the player’s wishes. However, he would approve a transfer if a buyer is available and renowned super agent Jorge Mendes is actively looking for ways to facilitate an Old Trafford exit. Ronaldo always wanted to go back to Sporting, but it now seems as though he would be moving back sooner than anticipated.
Given Ronaldo’s huge United compensation package, a transaction will not be simple to put together, but Sporting is still looking for methods to reach a deal including the possibility of giving Ronaldo a stake in the club, which is not against Liga’s existing rules.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
