Cristiano Ronaldo staying at Man Utd: Roma transfer rumours rubbished
Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a sensational return to Serie A with Roma – but FootballTransfers can confirm the claims have been rubbished by sources in Portugal.
La Repubblica published a report on Friday claiming that Ronaldo was on his way out of the Old Trafford club and that there were no major European clubs interested in signing him.
It was added that new Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag wants to implement a new tactical style of play that will not suit the 37-year-old superstar.
Without any high-profile interest in him, Ronaldo, it is claimed, wants to move to a club whereby his profile can be used as a springboard for further success. Roma ticks this box, particularly with Ronaldo eager to hook up with his former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho in the Eternal City.
It is also added that Jorge Mendes’ excellent relationship with the Serie A club might help smooth through a deal.
The report stated that a deal was not a foregone conclusion, with Ronaldo’s large wages and the subsequent Financial Fair Play (FFP) implications a major stumbling block to any deal being completed.
However, this information has been refuted by FootballTransfers’ sources in Portugal.
What Ronaldo has said about his future
This tallies with that the player has said in the recent past.
Speaking earlier in June to Man Utd’s official website, Ronaldo said: “I was and still am very happy to be here, and what I have to say to the fans is they are amazing. Even when we lost games, they always support us, they always are with us. The supporters are always in my heart and it's the people that we all should respect because they are always on our side.
“For me, the most important thing is to try to win the games and try to win some championship or some cup, but I believe that Manchester will be where they belong. As I say before, sometimes it takes time, but I still believe.”
Ronaldo in Serie A
Ronaldo has had a happy history of playing in Serie A in the past, winning two Italian titles with Juventus in his three seasons with the Turin club. Furthermore, he also became the fastest player to 100 goals in the history of Juve.
A return to Italy, though, appears fanciful and for the moment there is no prospect of Ronaldo leaving Manchester United for Roma.