Cristiano Ronaldo asked to be released from Man Utd contract
Cristiano Ronaldo is so intent on ending his time with Manchester United that he has asked to be released from his contract with the Old Trafford club, according to a report from the Daily Mail.
It is stated that Ronaldo held talks with United with agent Jorge Mendes and asked them to tear up his contract to allow him to join a side that will take part in Champions League football next season. He has one year left on his present deal, which also includes the option for an additional year.
If he were to leave, he would be giving up on a deal worth an estimated £500,000 per week.
Man Utd told Ronaldo, however, that they have no intention of selling him and there is no change in their not-for-sale stance. Furthermore, it is stated that the Red Devils have not received any enquiries for the 37-year-old forward.
Erik ten Hag’s side have tried to change Ronaldo’s mind and have explained their ambitions to him, but these efforts have come to nought.
Nevertheless, the player has pledged to continue to train with a professional attitude until his future is resolved.
When could Ronaldo make his Man Utd return?
Ronaldo only started training with the team again on Wednesday. It was his first training session under Erik ten Hag, who has not had the opportunity to use the Portugal star in any of his pre-season friendly matches to date.
With an overhaul of the tactics being used by the Old Trafford club and a clear deficit in team training, Ronaldo is expected to be integrated slowly into the former Ajax head coach’s plans.
There are two friendly matches to come this week, with a clash against Atletico Madrid, the club who have been most closely associated with him, to come on Saturday in Oslo, then a fixture against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo is unlikely to play against Atleti, whose fans have protested against the prospect of signing him, while the club are not counting on him against Vallecano either, although privately it is stated that the striker wants to feature in that fixture.