Revealed: The huge pay cut Ronaldo is prepared to take to dump Man Utd
Cameron Smith
- 22 Jul 2022 12:21 BST
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo would reportedly be willing to take a pay cut of up to 30% to ensure he is able to leave Manchester United this summer.
The Portuguese superstar has asked Man Utd to accept his wishes to leave the club and allow him to be sold if an appropriate bid for him comes in.
Related articles
However, so far interest in the 37-year-old has been limited. Both Sporting CP and Roma were linked, but never seemed likely to make a move, while Chelsea and Bayern Munich have looked in other directions.
As a result, Ronaldo is in limbo with no clubs seemingly interested in signing him. Man Utd themselves don't have a plan if he does leave, with the Red Devils pinning their hope on Anthony Martial to re-find his form.
But, Ronaldo may be saved by Atletico Madrid, the arch-rivals of his former club Real Madrid and the team against whom he's scored
Atletico Madrid may be a possibility, and Ronaldo is reportedly being encouraged to make the move by his partner, Georgina Rodriguez, who prefers a return to life in Spain, and more specifically, in Madrid, where her and Ronaldo spent the early parts of their relationship.
Ronaldo and Rodriguez met each other in late 2016, and have two children together, and would feel comfortable with a return to the Spanish capital soon.
Despite Ronaldo’s wish to leave the club, Manchester United have been adamant on keeping their player, and manager Erik ten Hag has even said the Portuguese is in his plans for the upcoming season.
Ronaldo has been disappointed with United’s drop in standards, and wishes to continue playing Champions League football for the remaining days of his career, which is not possible in the upcoming season at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo willing to reduce his wages
The player's agent Jorge Mendes is now making sure potential suitors know Ronaldo is willing to reduce his wage demands by up to 30% should finances be an issue, according to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.
Ronaldo remains interested in an Atleti move. But the Spanish club continue to distance themselves from a move.
Sources close to Ronaldo say he’s keen to not only play in the Champions League but join a club where he feels the burden of output isn’t solely on him. He wants support, which he believes is key to maintaining his peak. This is particularly important in a World Cup year with added games mid-season.
