Barcelona boss Xavi 'rejects chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo'

Barcelona head coach Xavi has reportedly turned down the chance to sign Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford from Juventus last summer; however, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has endured a mixed 2021-22 campaign with the Red Devils and will end the season without silverware.

With United at risk of failing to qualify for the Champions League, speculation has been rife over Ronaldo's future and according to El Nacional, via the Daily Mirror, the striker has been offered to Barcelona by his agent Jorge Mendes.

However, the report adds that Xavi has rejected the chance to sign the Portugal international as he feels that his potential arrival at Camp Nou would be "the biggest betrayal in history between Barcelona and [Real Madrid]".

Ronaldo spent nine trophy-laden seasons at Real Madrid between 2009 and 2018, scoring 450 goals in just 438 appearances across all competitions, including 18 goals in 30 games against Barcelona.

Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Samuel Eto'o and Luis Enrique are among an exclusive group of players to have represented both Clasico sides over the years.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 18 goals in 33 matches for United this season, is under contract at Old Trafford until June 2023.