Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t go along with the rest of his Real Madrid teammates to the United States for their preseason exhibition tour. Given what he’s got going on in his life right now: just recently became father to twins, a July 31 court date in Spain for tax evasion, a delayed holiday after a prolonged tour of international duty with Portugal, don’t expect him to be flying across the globe and showing up at Real’s southern California training facility any time soon.
Also, don’t expect him to be changing teams this season. All those “Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea could acquire Ronaldo” narratives were nothing burgers. Maybe those stories were even insults to the phrase “nothing burger.”
United, who were considered the supposed “front-runner,” were never really in it. Red Devils Manager Jose Mourinho admitted as much late last night, following his side’s 5-2 victory at the L.A. Galaxy in an international friendly.
“We have never thought about it because he is such an important player for his club, of great economic power. We have not been able to find a reason that could have made us think that Ronaldo could leave.”
“I am not a defender in my club once you waste time on players who are mission impossible.”
So what was all that CR7 switching teams hullabaloo really about? Well, first it was created and then seriously overblown to fill time, space and pages during a very slow news period. Secondly, it was rooted in Ronaldo feeling outraged that he has to face tax evasion charges in Spain, and he was so upset that he was potentially looking to leave the country.
While a Ronaldo return isn’t happening, a deal with another Real Madrid player, striker Alvaro Morata, isn’t off the table quite yet. Mourinho also elaborated on that situation in the same press conference.
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 regularly to WGN CLTV.
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