MX23RW : Saturday, November 16 19:10:09| >> :60:571:571:

Atletico Madrid chief labels Cristiano Ronaldo move "impossible"

Atletico chief labels Cristiano Ronaldo move
© Reuters
Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo claims that a move for Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is "practically impossible" for the La Liga club this summer.

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo claims that a move for Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is "practically impossible" for the La Liga outfit this summer.

The 37-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford as he is keen to continue playing in the Champions League.

After missing the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia and instead spending time in his native Portugal due to "a family issue", Ronaldo has since returned to Manchester this week to resolve his future.

A potential switch to Atletico Madrid has been mooted in recent weeks for the former Real Madrid man, with one report claiming that Diego Simeone's side are prepared to sell Antoine Griezmann to fund a deal for the Portuguese forward.

However, Atletico chief Cerezo has played down speculation linking Ronaldo with a move to the Spanish side this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United in February 2022© Reuters

Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, via The Mirror, Cerezo said: "I don't know who invented the story of [Ronaldo], but it's practically impossible for him to come to Atletico de Madrid."

The likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting Lisbon have also turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo this summer, leaving the five-time Ballon d'Or winner with limited options if he is to leave the Red Devils.

Speaking to SPORT1, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: "I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career, but once again: That was and is not a topic for us."

Meanwhile, Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim denied suggestions of Ronaldo returning to the club where he began his career back in 2002, telling Record: "Is Ronaldo a chance? I already heard that, I don't read anything, I don't see anything. For me the reality is different, it's keeping my players."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo applauds fans after the match, January 3, 2022© Reuters

In addition, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is another to have played down rumours of signing Ronaldo and has affirmed that signing a new striker is not the club's priority at present.

"I would not rule it out but right now it is not the priority," the German told Sky Sports News earlier this month. "The priority right now is defence, it's not a secret. From there we need to see what's possible.

There is still a strong possibility that Ronaldo could remain at Old Trafford for the 2022-23 campaign, with Erik ten Hag having previously expressed his desire to include the forward in his plans.

Ronaldo, who has just 12 months remaining on his contract, recorded 24 goals and three assists in 38 appearances for Man United across all competitions last season.

ID:490918:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6141:

Cristiano Ronaldo future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Cristiano Ronaldo

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Portugal on June 9, 2022
Read Next:
Sporting manager plays down Cristiano Ronaldo return links
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!