Ronaldo pushing for shock Real Madrid return

FT Desk

• 20 Nov 2022 12:55 GMT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo has likely played his last game for Manchester United, and an opportunity at Real Madrid may just have presented itself with Karim Benzema now missing the World Cup with injury…

Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly pushing for the move.

Ronaldo's contract at Manchester United expires in the summer, but it could potentially be rescinded sooner with the club seeking legal advice following the player's recent interview with Piers Morgan, in which he launched a scathing attack on the club.

READ: From Messi to retirement: Ronaldo-Piers Morgan interview part two IN FULL

Currently at the World Cup with Portugal, United have told the 37-year-old not to report back for training at the competition's conclusion.

Although his star has been on the wane this season - and not getting his game under Erik ten Hag means he has had little chance to prove otherwise - Ronaldo will generate significant interest if he impresses in Qatar.

A second stint at Real may be shooting for the stars, but Benzema's thigh injury, which has ruled him out of the World Cup with France and perhaps beyond in Madrid, has prompted Mendes to sound his player's former employers out.

'Six-month deal'

"Cristiano's people have offered Madrid a six-month return while los Blancos look for a [long-term] attacking solution due Benzema's alarming physical condition," write Spanish daily Sport.

READ: Karim Benzema OUT: The players missing the World Cup due to injury

"Florentino Perez is looking for a striker and has a good relationship with Cristiano despite his difficult departure to Juventus [in 2018]. The president has never wanted spare parts, though, and believes the Portuguese would be a back-up once Benzema's fit."

Ronaldo scored a barely fathomable 450 goals in 438 games in all competition for Real in his first spell at the club, having joined from Man Utd in a €94 million deal in 2009.

Real struggled towards the end of the first half of the season, with winger Rodrygo asked to deputise at No.9 in Benzema's absence. The Spanish and European champions dropped eight of a possible 15 points at home and abroad, and surrendered top spot in La Liga to Barcelona.