Shock Cristiano Ronaldo return gathers pace, as Man Utd legend decides to leave Saudi Arabia and return to where he belongs
Cristiano Ronaldo ‘has decided to leave Saudi Arabia’ in favour of returning to a former club who are prepared to table a bittersweet offer, per a report.
Ronaldo, 38, saw his contract at Manchester United terminated by mutual agreement back in November. The move came on the back of an ill-advised and explosive interview with Talk TV’s Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo laid waste to the club, their manager, the owners and the facilities at Carrington and Old Trafford. United explored their legal options, though the situation cooled when both parties mutually agreed to part ways.
Ronaldo subsequently became the world’s highest paid player when signing for Saudi Arabian side, Al Nassr.
The Portuguese great signed a contract worth a truly staggering €200m-per-year (including sponsorships and commercial opportunities). However, according to a report out of Spain, money isn’t everything.
Indeed, the report (as cited by Sky Sports), claims ‘Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to leave Saudi Arabia’.
Explaining why, it’s revealed a difficulty in adapting to the different culture is among several reasons. Another is the language barrier which has made it doubly difficult for Ronaldo to bed in.
As such, Ronaldo has reportedly determined leaving Saudi Arabia is his best course of action just four months after committing to the move.
Ronaldo wants Real Madrid return
On the subject of where he’ll take his talents to next, the report stresses his dream is to return to where he feels he belongs – Real Madrid.
Ronaldo established himself as one of world football’s all-time greats during a glittering nine-year stint at the Bernabeu. Madrid is also the city where Ronaldo met his current partner, Georgina Rodríguez.
His ‘intention’ is understood to be securing a return to Spain and specifically Real Madrid. They are the club where he was ‘most comfortable and happy’ and he reportedly regrets leaving to join Juventus in 2018.
Ronaldo and his camp reportedly offered his services to Real before he signed with Al Nassr back in December. Real president Florentino Perez and manager Carlo Ancelotti both rejected the opportunity, though the olive branch may be extended this time around.
The article concludes Perez will ‘offer’ Ronaldo a role in Madrid, though not as a player.
Instead, a role as an ambassador or as part of the hierarchy on the sporting side of the club would be put forward.
Whether Ronaldo is ready to hang up his boots just yet will likely determine whether a return to Real can take shape.
