Transfer Centre

Napoli chief denies concrete Cristiano Ronaldo interest

By Ben Sully | 02 September 2022

Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli denies that the club had any concrete interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.

Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli reveals that there was no concrete interest in signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 37-year-old was linked with a departure from Old Trafford throughout the transfer window after indicating that he wanted to leave to play Champions League football.

However, a number of clubs were believed to have rejected the chance to sign the Portugal international, including Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.

Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes was reportedly working to find a new club for his client before the transfer window shut, with Napoli rumoured to be a potential destination.

However, speaking to DAZN ahead of Napoli's 1-1 draw over Lecce on Wednesday, the club's sporting director stated that there was no concrete interest.

Giuntoli said: "Cristiano Ronaldo to Napoli? He is an extraordinary player, there was nothing true. We have an excellent relationship with Mendes, but there was nothing concrete."

With the summer transfer window closed, Ronaldo will remain at Manchester United for at least the first half of the season, and the striker will look to work his way into Erik ten Hag's side after starting only one game this term.