Different rumors regarding the future of Cristiano Ronaldo continue to materialize, and the latest one even suggested that the former Manchester United icon is contemplating joining their bitter rivals, Manchester City.
Ronaldo is apparently adamant that he will leave Real Madrid in the summer, and he has even told his family and friends that he has fallen out of love with the club. Over the last week, speculation has insisted that both Chelsea and Manchester United are lining up audacious bids of $100 million for the player, but now Manuel Pellegrini has decided that Manchester City could benefit from having the striker on their roster.
The 29-year-old has recently voiced his strong opposition to the sales of both Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso, who joined Manchester United and Bayern Munich respectively. Because of this, he has decided that his time at the Bernabeu should come to an end.
A return to Manchester United, where he played for six seasons and won three Premier League titles and a European Cup, is his preferred destination, however it’s also believed that City feel that they could entice Ronaldo thanks to their recent success.
Madrid will expect $100 million for the two-time Ballon d’Or winner, and with United already committed to buying Radamel Falcao, who is currently on loan from Monaco at Old Trafford, for around the same price, there is a suggestion that Louis Van Gaal might decide to spend the money on other acquisitions instead. City, on the other hand, would see his arrival as a real coup, and they know that even if United back-out of a deal to get Ronaldo, the simple fact that he would decide to join them would hurt Red Devils fans immensely.
United’s board have been made aware of Ronaldo’s decision to leave Madrid, and even though they know that if he did return to the club, it would hugely profit their various commercial endeavours, the final decision will be left to Van Gaal.
Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho is confident that he will be able to convince Ronaldo to join Chelsea. The two have a very close bond after their three year tenure at Real Madrid together, and Mourinho believes that Ronaldo will once again blossom under him at Stamford Bridge. Either way, it looks set to be a very complex few months as Ronaldo figures out which club suits his needs.
Who do you think Ronaldo will join next summer? Or will he ultimately just stay at Real Madrid?
[Image via thenewstribe.com]