The Manchester United forward could be on his way out
Cristiano Ronaldo could be returning back to his home country of Portugal after Sporting Lisbon’s boss reportedly changed his stance on the Manchester United forward.
According to TEAMtalk’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey, head coach Ruben Amorim is open to the idea of bringing the 37-year-old back having previously shut down the possibility of offering terms.
Ronaldo is out of contract with Manchester United at the end of the season, although they can extend his stay by a further 12 months.
He recently left Old Trafford before the full-time whistle after he was left out of Erik ten Hag’s side against Tottenham Hotspur.
Footage has since emerged of an exchange between Ronaldo and the Manchester United boss in which he appears to refuse to be subbed on in the game.
Speculation of a move has been rife ever since, and Sporting Lisbon – where Ronaldo started his senior career – could be an attractive option.
“Talk of Cristiano Ronaldo’s future won’t stop being a subject we talk about until we know where he is going and one of the few realistic destinations is Sporting Lisbon,” Bailey said.
“Sporting had an interest in the summer, but coach Ruben Amorim was not on board. However, his stance in recent weeks has softened and I understand their interest overall remains in Ronaldo.”
Sporting were recently eliminated from the Champions League after finishing behind Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt in their group.
“Sporting going out of the Champions League was not ideal. But the fact they are still in the Europa League and with a genuine chance of now winning it, could be something that appeals to Ronaldo – who still believes he has a couple of seasons left in him,” Bailey added.
“We won’t know until after the World Cup what is going to happen with Ronaldo, as other options will no doubt develop aside from Sporting. But we shouldn’t forget or disregard his love of the club.”
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