Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has opined on the rumours linking Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo with a move to the Portuguese side.
Speaking to reporters (h/t GOAL), Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has reacted to the speculations in the media that are linking Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo with a shock return to the Jose Alvalade Stadium this summer.
Before becoming the world-renowned superstar he is today, Ronaldo started his footballing career at Sporting CP. Having joined their academy in 1997, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner spent six years at the club and made 31 senior appearances, scoring five and assisting six goals before Manchester United came calling in 2003.
From that point on, Ronaldo has not looked back, scaling great heights over the last two decades, firmly establishing himself as one of the best to have graced the game of football. The 37-year-old tasted success at Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before returning to Old Trafford last year.
However, Ronaldo’s second coming at Manchester has not gone according to plans. While the forward enjoyed a good season on a personal level, the team as a whole struggled and finished outside the top four in the Premier League. With no Champions League football on offer for the coming season, the 37-year-old has his heart set on a summer exit.
Sporting manager Ruben Amorim:
"Is Ronaldo a chance? "I already heard that, I don't read anything, I don't see anything. For me the reality is different, keeping my players." pic.twitter.com/uyUNRu2JKb
— CristianoXtra (@CristianoXtra_) July 25, 2022
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been offering him to top clubs across Europe, but none of them have shown an interest in signing him. Atletico Madrid are said to be keen, but their fans have started an online campaign to stop the club from signing the Portugal captain.
Amidst this, there have been speculations that Ronaldo could make a return to his boyhood club Sporting CP, completing a full circle with regard to his career. However, Ruben Amorim has dismissed those speculations, stating there is no truth to the claims about Ronaldo returning to Estadio Jose Alvalade.
“I’ve heard that [Ronaldo rumours]. I don’t read anything, I don’t see anything,” he said to reporters. “For me the reality is different, it’s keeping my players,” Amorim added.
Ronaldo has not joined Manchester United’s pre-season training yet and it remains to be seen how the situation evolves in the coming days as he continues to seek an exit from Old Trafford.
