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Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses ‘fake’ reports linking him with Sporting Lisbon return
Published 09:31 18 Jul 2022 BST
Homesport
Ronaldo has expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo has denied claims he's currently in talks with Sporting Lisbon to discuss a return to Portugal. The 37-year-old has expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford this summer, but the Portuguese international is finding suitable offers hard to come by. After returning to the club last summer, Ronaldo enjoyed a successful individual campaign last season, despite the Red Devils' struggles. He bagged 24 goals in 38 appearances and was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award. However, with United failing to qualify for the Champions League, the former Real Madrid man is open to leaving the club in this transfer window. Several clubs have been linked with a move for the forward, and reports over the weekend suggested that Ronaldo was in talks with former club Sporting Lisbon over a return to Portugal. Sport TV reported that Ronaldo's car was parked at the club's stadium in Lisbon as his representatives met Sporting chiefs to discuss terms. Despite this, the United man has since dismissed the speculation as 'fake', with reports suggesting that he has no interest in returning to Sporting this summer.
Chelsea were being linked with a move for Ronaldo, but manager Thomas Tuchel and Todd Boehly have decided against a move for the veteran frontman.
Blues dismiss Ronaldo links
Asked about Chelsea’s interest in Ronaldo, Tuchel told reporters: "If we considered his name… well he’s a fantastic player he is a fantastic player for another fantastic club in our competition in the Premier League.
"Out of respect we don’t comment on these players because we don’t like other coaches to speak about our players. This is where this has to stay.
"We focused on our top target Raheem Sterling who we signed and everything else stays behind closed doors."
Ten Hag 'adamant' Ronaldo is not leaving
While Ronaldo is keen on a move away from Old Trafford, new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is adamant that the forward will not be sold.
He said last week: "We are planning with Ronaldo for this season, so that’s it and I am looking forward to working with him.
"I don’t know, he hasn’t told me this so I have read but what I say Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to get success together."
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