Thomas Tuchel’s previous Cristiano Ronaldo transfer hint
Robin Bairner
- 7 Jul 2022 05:21 CDT
- 3 min read
Chelsea are regarded as one of the few teams capable of launching a successful transfer bid for Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo this summer – and manager Thomas Tuchel has previously expressed his admiration for the forward.
Ronaldo is seeking a way out of Man Utd this summer, with the Portuguese now looking unlikely to take part in the club’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia after being excused from training this week due to a family matter.
While the professionalism of Ronaldo is being debated, there are clear issues between him and the club which have been festering for some time.
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Indeed, several sources are reporting that Man Utd are now accepting that selling the player is a possibility, with the club having made their asking price for the superstar known.
Barcelona have hinted that they could be open to a move, but their financial position complicates that situation. Chelsea appear to be in pole position to sign the forward, though there is little serious interest in the 37-year-old.
Tuchel on Cristiano Ronaldo
Tuchel has previously expressed his admiration for Ronaldo.
Speaking in 2021 as Ronaldo made his return to Man Utd, the former PSG boss said: “He is one of the greatest who has ever played this game, and he proves it every time he is on the field.”
READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo LIVE transfer blog - get all the latest on CR7's Man Utd exit
He also added that any team that lost the player would face a hard time making up for his absence – something of a warning to the problems that Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United staff may face.
“I think it is not a secret that any team in the world without Cristiano Ronaldo is in some parts of the game a weaker team,” Tuchel said, speaking of Juventus.
"Now he is in the Premier League and in the Champions League, so they lost a big champion, a big point of reference and a big personality. But you can win games and be a strong team without Cristiano Ronaldo. This is also true."
Chelsea do not appear to be close to signing the Man Utd ace, but it’s evident that he is at least on their radar.
