Cristiano Ronaldo appears to have broken the quiet surrounding his future at the club by posting a training photo in United gear.
As he prepares for another season, the Portuguese superstar, who is noted for his dedication to preserving his physique, wore United’s training shorts from last season in an Instagram image titled ‘HARD WORK.’
He has already stated his desire to quit the club following yet another frustrating season without a trophy. However, his new post could indicate that a deal has been reached at Old Trafford for the club legend to remain.
Erik ten Hag, the club’s new manager, is adamant that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner is in his plans for next season, saying this week: ‘We are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that’s it.’
I’m excited to collaborate with him. Cristiano will not be sold. He is in our goals, and we want to achieve success together.
‘I chatted with him before this problem arose. I spoke with him and we had a fantastic conversation. That is solely between Cristiano and myself.’
Ronaldo has asked to leave Manchester United, who will compete in the Europa League next season, if the appropriate offer comes in, and he isn’t on the club’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia after being granted compassionate leave for personal reasons.
Ronaldo had previously been linked with a surprise move to Premier League rivals Chelsea after announcing his desire to leave Manchester United.
Todd Boehly, the club’s new owner, was open to the move, but after negotiations with German manager Thomas Tuchel, the club officially stopped their interest in Ronaldo, with Tuchel allegedly more focused on the team than the person.
It is understood that Paris Saint-Germain also turned down the opportunity to sign the forward, who appears to have few options after many of the world’s top clubs turned him down.
In fact, the only offer he has received since his shocking declaration has come from a Saudi Arabian team, who has offered him the opportunity to end his glittering career there.
According to CNN Portugal, the club would not only pay United a transfer fee of roughly £25 million to capture Ronaldo, but would also offer him a salary of around £105 million every season over two years.