Atletico Madrid turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly offered to Atletico Madrid before making a sensational return to Manchester United this summer.
The Portuguese captain has enjoyed an impressive start to his second spell at Old Trafford, scoring four goals in three games for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.
However, things could’ve been very different for both United and Ronaldo with reports in Spain suggesting that Atletico Madrid were given the chance to sign him by the 36-year-old’s super agent, Jorge Mendes.
Carrusel Deportivo, via Sport, have reported that Atletico were contacted about the possibility of a deal in August, after Ronaldo’s representative – who conducts business with the current La Liga champions on a consistent basis – was seemingly keen to move forward with constructing a deal.
However, considering the fact that Juventus were initially reluctant to let Ronaldo leave Turin, and that Atletico would’ve most likely been unable to match the forward’s wage demands, negations would have proved difficult.
Cristiano Ronaldo spent nine years in Spain with Real Madrid. (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)Not only would it have been finically difficult to secure a move for the leading international goalscorer, but the report also suggests that the ‘Colchoneros’ hierarchy were concerned about the potential backlash from their supporters given Ronaldo’s history with Real Madrid.
Therefore, after being informed that negations would have to commence before August 15, Atletico decided against pursuing a deal, with manager Diego Simeone instead focusing on securing a return for Antoine Griezmann.
Simeone evidently got what he wanted as the Frenchman did indeed make his return to the Wanda Metropolitano, which was made possible after midfielder Saul Niguez joined Chelsea.
With Atletico out of the picture, and Ronaldo officially confirming that he wanted to leave Juventus, a late battle to secure his signature between Manchester United and Manchester City had seemingly begun.
It initially looked as though the Portuguese star would be making the controversial move to City, before they removed themselves from contention, stating that they were never serious about signing him.
This therefore allowed Ronaldo to secure a sensational return to Old Trafford, 12 years after leaving the club to join Real Madrid.
Related links:
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- Solskjaer says Ronaldo was denied two stonewall penalties at West Ham
- ‘Riled’ Ronaldo sent Rio Ferdinand Whatsapp during on-air Mbappe-Haaland debate
