Here we go again, the Cristiano Ronaldo potentially returning to Manchester United narrative is back, and the buzz surrounding the possibility is as strong as it’s ever been. In recent years, we’ve seen airplane banners flying over stadiums asking “Come Home Ronaldo.”
We’ve also heard about the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson himself recruiting CR7, and Ronaldo making glowing public statements about how United is a club that remains in his heart. Obviously, those stories did not prelude a Ronaldo return to Old Trafford, so why should this summer be any different?
Because this time it’s being widely reported that he badly wants out of not just Real Madrid, but Spain altogether. Given that Ronaldo is the highest earning athlete in the entire world, according to Forbes, United are one of the very few destinations that have both the bankroll and the brand presence to sign him.
Naturally, as it’s summer transfer season, the United rumors are flying fast and furious right now. So where does this situation stand right now?
It all depends on which outlet you believe.
Here’s a quick synopsis of what some of the most recently updated news stories are claiming in regards to the “Come Home Ronaldo” narrative. Let’s take a look at the latest headlines.
The Guardian writes that United are on high alert, as Ronaldo is furious over the way he’s been treated by Spanish tax authories.
An excerpt:
The 32-year-old feels he is being singled out for disproportionate treatment after prosecutors accused him of defrauding the authorities of €14.7m. A source close to the player claims the “outraged” Portugal international “feels great indignation” following the public speculation about his tax affairs and a sense of “injustice” at the allegations – which he contests – and he has made a decision to leave the country.
The Guardian goes on to mention that Paris Saint-Germain could rival United in the battle for his signature but wouldn’t be as attractive as option as MUFC.
The Sun points out a strikingly noticeable change that was made on an official CR7 social media account. The London based tabloid also perfectly describes the insanity that is ensuing on a lot of United fan social media accounts:
Cristiano Ronaldo has dumped his profile photo of him in a Real Madrid shirt in a move that will send Manchester United fans into meltdown.
So if this move were to actually happen, how much would it cost? The more expensive the deal, the more complicated the transaction is, usually. Metro claims to have the answer:
On Saturday, Marca claimed that Madrid will demand a €200 million (£174.5m) transfer fee for the Portugal international.
But the Daily Telegraph reports that Ronaldo’s advisors are making it known that a €150m (£131m) bid will be enough to sign the forward this summer, despite his release clause being set at €1 billion.
Finally, Portugal manager Fernando Santos was so overloaded with questions about Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday, in the press conference ahead of his side’s match against Mexico in the Confederations Cup that he eventually shut down all questions on the topic. Via ESPN FC:
“This is the final word on Cristiano,” Santos said, about halfway through his appearance in front of the media. “I’m sure everyone wants to ask the same question, but we are representing Portugal and are playing tomorrow against Mexico.”
Ronaldo return watch is a story that’s probably just getting started. Given that these developments are occurring in the offseason, when there is less for the media to discuss, the attention on this story will likely only increase.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes to WGN CLTV and KOZN.
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