The truth behind Ronaldo’s failed transfer to Napoli
FT Desk
- Updated: 23 May 2023 08:46 CDT
- 3 min read
Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has revealed the truth behind the talks to sign Cristiano Ronaldo and says there was never anything concrete.
The Serie A outfit emerged as the leading contenders to sign Ronaldo in the closing days of the summer transfer window.
The 37-year-old originally put in a transfer request at the beginning of July asking to be sold by Manchester United.
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The Portuguese superstar wanted to join a club that was in the Champions League and could challenge for major trophies.
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His agent Jorge Mendes offered him out to numerous clubs around Europe, including superpowers such as Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich.
However, Mendes was unable to find a taker and became more and more desperate as the transfer window deadline got closer.
Eventually, Mendes offered Ronaldo to Napoli and there were strong reports of a possible swap deal involving Victor Osimhen.
In the end, though, a deal was never done and Giuntoli says there was never anything concrete.
What did Giuntoli say about Ronaldo?
"There was nothing true,” Giuntoli told Kiss Kiss Napoli.
“We have an excellent relationship with Mendes, but there was nothing concrete.
“I am sorry to say we have never been in real negotiations with Manchester United."
Ronaldo has endured a miserable start to the season with Man Utd, failing to score or register an assist in six games.
He has also started on the bench for Man Utd’s last four matches – all of which resulted in victories.
Napoli, meanwhile, have been flying and are second in Serie A behind Atalanta.
