Ronaldo to Tottenham? Conte hints at love for CR7
Robin Bairner
- 19 Oct 2022 07:40 BST
- 3 min read
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United future remains firmly in the air, but Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has suggested that he would love to work with the Portuguese.
Spurs will travel to Old Trafford for a Premier League clash on Wednesday, with Conte having led his side into a position where they will hope to challenge for the title.
Man Utd are seven points back of Spurs having played a game fewer, with Ronaldo having often found himself on the bench at the beginning of matches this season. Indeed, with just one goal to his credit in all competitions – that coming against Sheriff from the penalty spot in the Europa League – it has been a remarkably quiet start to the campaign for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
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Conte, who left his post as Juventus head coach in 2014, four years before Ronaldo joined, is wary of the qualities he still possesses.
The Italian was asked about the quality of the 37-year-old forward and replied: “I think I am the last person to make this question, because last season he scored a hat-trick against us!
“We are talking about an amazing player, a top player. In my opinion, we are talking about a player, that continues to make the difference for the team that he is playing for.
“Cristiano with Messi, they made the story of football in the last 10 years, in the last 15 years.
“We lost 3-2, but we lost against him, not against United last season. I remember very well, because we played a very good game, and he solved the situation a lot.”
Could Ronaldo make Tottenham move?
The prospects of Tottenham making a successful move for Ronaldo are slim. Having added Richarlison to their squad for €58 million in the summer from Everton, their need for an additional centre-forward is limited, even if the long-term future of Harry Kane beyond the end of this season remains somewhat questionable.
The Portuguese no longer commands a huge transfer fee, but his wages will be an off-putting factor, even if Spurs can offer the Champions League football the player wants.
Nevertheless, Conte’s comments will have been a welcome affirmation to Ronaldo of his qualities after three difficult months at Man Utd.
