Ronaldo offered way out of Man Utd… by Australia!

FT Desk

• Updated: 23 May 2023 08:55 CDT
• 3 min read

Cristiano Ronaldo has likely played his last game for Manchester United after slamming the club in an interview with Piers Morgan. Australia A-League CEO Danny Townsend has offered him a way out.

Ronaldo told Morgan he felt "betrayed" by Man Utd after a disappointing season which has seen him dropped by Erik ten Hag, and he took aim at the new manager among a litany of other complaints about the club.

United are seeking legal advice before commenting on the interview, but they have since torn down a mural at Old Trafford which featured Ronaldo alongside fellow club legends David Beckham and Bryan Robson.

READ: From Man City bid to Messi: Ronaldo-Piers Morgan interview IN FULL

Moves to Sporting Lisbon and Beckham's Inter Miami have been floated in recent weeks, the former a chance to return home whilst leaving the door open on the Champions League, the latter playing in Major League Soccer - a popular destination for European stars at the end of their careers.

But few thought of Australia as a destination, until A-League CEO Townsend suggested it himself in comments published by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

Townsen: 'we can compete in other ways'

"Ronaldo said he wasn't getting any love and respect at Manchester United, but we'll certainly give him plenty of love and respect in Australia," he said. "We might not be able to compete financially with other offers, but we can compete in other ways."

READ: Toxic Ronaldo has talked himself out of Chelsea move

"Obviously it's a long shot but we've certainly got a compelling proposition for him here in Australia to consider," Townsend told local radio station SportsFM earlier on Thursday.

Ronaldo's former Man Utd teammate Nani now plies his trade with Melbourne Victory after swapping Venezia for Aussralia in June. Ronaldo following suit would indeed seem to be a long shot.

For now, the 37-year-old seems to have burned bridges with more than just Man Utd after speaking out, but if he can add to his record 117 goals in 191 matches with Portugal in Qatar, expect potential suitors to come to the fore.