Cristiano Ronaldo’s future continues to be a source of speculation and the man himself only fuelled the rumours last night.
The Real Madrid superstar was understood to be intent on quitting the Bernabeu at the start of the summer.
Well placed sources revealed that Ronaldo was upset by the allegations of tax fraud levelled at him in Spain and hurt by the lack of support from his club.
The situation compounded a sense that he is unloved at Real Madrid – a situation created by fans who have been quick to boo the club’s all-time leading scorer the moment he doesn’t perform.
Numerous clubs were quick to be linked with signing the four-time Ballon d’Or winner, among them former side Manchester United, Paris St Germain and Chelsea.
The situation seems to have calmed in recent weeks, but a social media post from Ronaldo last night sparked fresh speculation.
Posting a picture of himself in Ibiza, Ronaldo wrote: ‘Talking business in my favourite restaurant. Big news coming soon!!’
While he may simply have been referring to personal business dealings, many of his followers thought it might relate to signing a new contract with Real Madrid or switching clubs.
Ronaldo is continuing to enjoy his extended holiday having featured for Portugal at the Confederations Cup earlier in the summer. His team-mates however are back in pre-season training and will take on Manchester United in the United States on Sunday.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho recently spoke about the prospect of signing Ronaldo, admitting he was convinced the forward will remain at his current club.
‘I am not going to get my club to waste time on players who are mission impossible,’ said Mourinho following his side’s pre-season victory over LA Galaxy.
‘Ronaldo is such an important player for his club. A player of great economic power. We have not been able to find any reason that could have made us think that Ronaldo could leave.’
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