Cristiano Ronaldo is not your everyday 36-year-old goal-scoring legend. Usually, players of this age look to close out their careers in MLS, the Middle East or Asia. The Portuguese is looking to build on his elite reputation elsewhere in Europe.
Earlier in the summer 2021 transfer window, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner saw his on-field rival Lionel Messi move. The Argentine joined Paris Saint-Germain, forming a super team with Neymar and (presently) Kylian Mbappe.
Whereas Messi moved on due to financial circumstances, Ronaldo is eyeing new locations based on his club’s performance and activity.
Last season, Inter Milan broke the Old Lady’s streak of nine-consecutive Serie A titles. CR7 received the Capocannoniere, the award for the top scorer in Serie A, with 29 goals. Juventus finished fourth in the league. Still, the club managed to win the Coppa Italia.
Despite underperforming a season ago, Juventus remains quiet in the transfer window. The club only signed midfielder Manuel Locatelli from Sassuolo on a two-year loan. After the term, Juventus has an obligation to buy Locatelli for $30 million, $15 million can also be sent to I Neroverdi if Locatelli hits certain incentives.
This type of deal displays that the Turin-based club are cash strapped. Nonetheless, Juventus watched the transfer world from the sideline. Portugal’s captain notices this, and he wants to compete for the biggest trophies in the sport.
Cristiano Ronaldo seeking an exit
With one year remaining on his contract, the two-time Best FIFA Men’s Player winner is looking for options, according to the rumor mill.
Last week, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who won four trophies with Cristiano in 2014, stated that he would not pursue a transfer for the club legend.
A week ago, Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Cristiano at Real Madrid, said Los Blancos would not pursue their former star. Essentially, Ancelotti implied Real Madrid sought talents for the future. The comment, along with the constant speculation on his future, made the forward go to Instagram to release a statement.
“More than the disrespect for me as a man and as a player, the frivolous way that my future is covered in the media is disrespectful to all the clubs involved in these rumors, as well as to their players and staff,” said the four-time Portuguese Player of the Year.
Cristiano opened the Serie A season on Juventus’s bench against Udinese. The joint-top scorer of Euro 2020 came on in the 60th minute. He scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time, only for VAR to deem the play offside. News matriculated that the Cristiano did not start because he was seeking a new club. According to these reports, he hoped to find a resolution soon.
READ MORE: Pavel Nedved convinced Ronaldo will stay at Juventus this season.
Juventus denounced the report as fabrication.
“We mustn’t try to create sensational stories where there aren’t any,” Juventus Vice President Pavel Nedved told DAZN.
“It was a decision shared with the player. At the start of the season, naturally he is not at top fitness. I can absolutely confirm Ronaldo will remain at Juventus this season.”
A possible return to Manchester, but in blue
Over the last couple days, L’Equipe reported that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is working to facilitate a deal. The deal reportedly in the works would ship Cristiano Ronaldo back to England.
Additionally, reports claim CR7 reached out to his Portugal teammates currently at the Etihad. Joao Cancelo, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva all play under Pep Guardiola. Apparently, Ronaldo told them he would love to play for the defending Premier League champions.
The leader in transfer news, Fabrizio Romano, stated on Twitter that Juventus set a price tag at about $30 million. However, the Citizens are not willing to pay a transfer fee.
It would be slightly strange to see Ronaldo don blue for the first time in his career. After all, he rose to stardom at Manchester City’s crosstown neighbor. With Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo lifted his first Champions League trophy and Ballon d’Or, in the same season no less.
Cristiano Ronaldo spent six seasons at Old Trafford before his record transfer to Real Madrid.
Manchester City’s needs
Manchester City won three of the last four Premier League titles. Still, Pep Guardiola’s side has one glaring weakness.
Sergio Aguero’s departure for FC Barcelona left a void at the striker position. The five-time Premier League champions first targeted Harry Kane. But, in recent days, Harry Kane announced that he is “fully committed” to Tottenham.
Manchester City must be aggressive and sign a striker. Yes, the Sky Blues are coming off a Premier League crown, but the club has higher ambitions. Harry Kane is seemingly no longer on the market. Cristiano Ronaldo may not have the longevity Kane provides, but he does provide the offensive output.
Even at his advanced age, the two-time Serie A Footballer of the Year is still a dominant figure on the pitch that guarantees goals. And, what makes things more appetizing, is that Ronaldo has a proven track record in the English game.
Championship windows do not last forever. The time to strike is now, and Cristiano Ronaldo would elevate any club.
from World Soccer Talk https://ift.tt/3DgIMXb
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