Here we go. Cristiano Ronaldo has opened up another can of worms.
The Real Madrid superstar was asked about a possible return to the English Premier League and the Portuguese captain gave the biggest indication yet, that an EPL return could be on the cards.
“I miss English football,” Ronaldo said. “For me, it was one of the best years in my career when I was there in Manchester United. Everyone knows that it is a club that is still in my heart and I really, really miss.”
Ronaldo’s comments come as speculation continues to circulate around his future. The 28-year-old attacker has spoken of his love for Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson in the past, this isn’t the first time. But can he be swayed to return under David Moyes?
After scoring 201 goals in 199 games for Madrid, Ronaldo may want a fresh challenge. Perhaps helping United to lift another European title would be a challenge worth leaving the Spanish capital for.
But, and this is a big but, Ronaldo also spoke about how he is now enjoying life in La Liga.
“But now my life is in Spain. I am enjoying playing there too. Part of my life is there, but in the future we never know. I am really, really happy in the Spanish league.”
That leaves a huge carrot dangling in the face of Manchester United’s directors, Moyes and United’s fans. It is not quite a come and get me plea… but it’s not far off.
(MORE: Ronaldo to “meet Manchester United” about return)
If Ronaldo was to return to United, it would take quite some doing. Huge trust would have to be placed in Moyes and massive financial backing would also be needed. Ronaldo has a price tag of around $100 million and astronomical wages of around $18 million per season. But if Rooney did leave Old Trafford, the clubs highest earner would be off the wage bill. That would help fund Ronaldo’s return, and everyone would be happy.
This saga should be over by now. It has been rumbling on for years and Ronaldo does nothing to abate it. These latest comments may be blown out of proportion by some, but why would Ronaldo even mention that he “misses English football” if there was no ulterior motive? He knew what kind of headlines would spring up after those comments.
With new manager Carlo Ancelotti wanting to build a team of his own at Real, selling Ronaldo would put plenty of pennies in Madrid’s transfer coffers. Swapping Ronaldo for Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and still making a slight profit on the transfer fee could be something that appeals to Real. That would be smart business indeed.
So, ‘Cristiano Ronaldo to United’… this saga will rumble on all summer long. Hopefully it comes to an end sooner or later. If not, get use to seeing the Portuguese star and his lovely tan adorn websites and back pages for months to come.
Beautiful.
