Eyeing Champions League glory, Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly made an official request to leave Manchester United this summer.
Legendary striker Cristiano Ronaldo, who returned to Manchester United last season after 12 years, has reportedly made an official request to leave Old Trafford this summer so he can continue to play Champions League football.
The Portuguese superstar joined United again a year ago for a second term at Old Trafford, scoring 18 goals in 30 league games. Still, the squad ended sixth in the Premier League and missed the premier European club tournament for the upcoming season.
Also read: After Man United, will Ronaldo make dream return to Sporting Lisbon? Hugo Viana hopes so
Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to be allowed to leave Manchester United should the Premier League club receive a satisfactory offer in the transfer window, according to The Times. 🚨
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL)The 37-year-old, under contract with the Red Devils through June 2023 with a one-year extension option, has reportedly requested to be moved. Reports suggest that United's iconic striker has informed him that he will not be available for transfer this summer and that they anticipate him to sign a contract extension.
According to reports, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Juventus, among other clubs, are keen on adding Ronaldo to their squad. The former Real Madrid great reportedly feels he needs the motivation of competing in the Champions League in the final phase of his career, despite his expressed respect and affection for United and their supporters.
According to reports, Ronaldo believes participating in the Champions League and winning significant trophies are crucial. Former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag replaced United's interim coach Ralf Rangnick at the end of the season. When the Dutchman was introduced last month, he stated that Ronaldo was a part of his plans for the upcoming season.
And United fans have spoken out after reports of Ronaldo's request to leave the club surfaced. Here's a look at what some of the supporters have to say:
Completely understand that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play in the UCL and win some trophies before retiring, so IF he's determined to leave, then Man Utd should sell him because Erik ten Hag needs focused players for this rebuild.
Always love Ronaldo but Utd comes FIRST.
“When your poison is your medicine you will struggle…”
Thierry Henry on Ronaldo. Nailed it. pic.twitter.com/VK2rbgQQHd
did exactly what I thought he would do, score goals but make the team worse. The transfer request also kills the idea he turned down Man City because of his love for Man United 😂 https://t.co/X7Xw9uRnm4
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23)Ronaldo wants to leave because he's disappointed the club haven't been ambitious in the transfer market. What a huge statement against the Glazers 👏
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge)Hearing Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Real Madrid. you have one job. Just re - unite him with Ancelotti for at least two seasons. pic.twitter.com/V43bcgNV93
— Martial🇬🇭 (@RmaOzil23)Ronaldo achievements with United last season:
- ruined Fernandes development 🥶
- Sacked Ole ❌
- writing 100+ essays 📝
- Smashing cell phone 🤷🏻
- losing 9 - 0 to Liverpool 😵💫
- out of top 4 👋🏽
- transfer request 🤡
what a comeback to the Old Trafford 💀💀💀 !! pic.twitter.com/M4eFDZXVrV
Cristiano Ronaldo has done more for this club than most in recent history.
He came back, saw the shit-show first hand and has been one of the very, very few to call it out.
He is the definition of a club legend and the closest representation of the fans at the club.
Ronaldo hate is the most FORCED thing I have ever seen on this app.
Ronaldo would obviously love to stay if the club had some AMBITION TO WIN TROPHIES, but if their main target is hitting top 4 then NO SHIT he wants leave. What is wrong with that? https://t.co/wLZXfnDM0a
Got hate when he decided to come
Got hate when he decided to leave for you pic.twitter.com/b0LM8Ed1lK
The only picture that can define Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/0UjFxTNHKV
— Meru–bandit🌴 (@MKiewa)“Ronaldo ruined our structure”
my brother in christ what structure do you have that takes you 4 successive seasons trophyless
Ronaldo has played them hasn’t he 😂😂😉 https://t.co/4Xcwq45Nho
— Ben Webb (@BenWebbLFC)Speed reacting to the Ronaldo news😭
pic.twitter.com/JeT4oJVhaz
Some fans coming out against Ronaldo. He's the only player in that dressing room that truly represents how the fans feel. Calling out the drop off in standards and crap players. If we let him go we're letting those crap players take back control
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge)Replace Ronaldo with Antony 😆 do these people actually watch football
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge)When things get tough, Ronaldo quickly switches teams. Almost took Juve to Europa, he ran. Successfully took Man United to Europa, he wants to run. GOAT! 🙌
— BeksFCB (@Joshua_Ubeku)If Ronaldo's departure turns out to be the catalyst for The Glazers to sell then I genuinely believe it will eclipse his Ballon d'Or winning season for the club in 2008.
— Al Foran (@ImpressionistAL)In 2003, the Portugal talisman made his United debut after leaving Sporting CP. Before departing for Real Madrid in 2009, where he stayed until joining Juventus in 2018, the iconic striker scored 118 goals in 292 games.
Also read: How is it like to date Cristiano Ronaldo? Ex-girlfriend Gemma Atkinson reveals
During his three seasons with the Turin powerhouse Juventus, Ronaldo could not win the Champions League, but he did so with United in 2008 and four times with Real Madrid. In his final two seasons in Turin, he led all Serie A goal scorers with 101 goals in 134 games.
The Portuguese icon has won 32 titles, including five Champions Leagues and seven league championships. Ronaldo led Portugal to victory at the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2019 UEFA Nations League. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner also holds the male world record for most goals scored in international competition (117). Later this year, he will lead Portugal in the World Cup.