Cristiano Ronaldo’s entourage have reportedly made a new transfer proposal to Real Madrid after Los Blancos striker Karim Benzema pulled out of France’s World Cup squad with a thigh injury. The Portugal ace looks set to leave Manchester United after taking aim at the club during an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Ronaldo departed England to head to Qatar, via his homeland, following the revelations he made to Morgan as Portugal prepare to take on Ghana, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H of the World Cup. But his club career is now completely up in the air after he told Morgan he felt “betrayed” by the Red Devils and that he had “no respect” for boss Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo could find himself looking for a new team as soon as his endeavours with Portugal have ended next month. And, according to Spanish publication Sport, the player’s entourage have already been in touch with Real to offer the services of their client on a six-month deal until the end of the season.
Ronaldo’s team have sensed an opportunity to strike a deal after Real striker Benzema had his World Cup dreams dashed when he tore a muscle in his left thigh during training on Saturday. Benzema, who played alongside Ronaldo for nine years at the Bernabeu Stadium, has starred for Madrid in recent years and won the 2022 Ballon d’Or trophy ahead of the World Cup.
Real president Florentino Perez is looking for a striker and has a good relationship with Ronaldo despite the manner of his departure to Juventus in 2018. But the 75-year-old has never been keen to reignite the affiliation and believes the 37-year-old could struggle to play second fiddle to Benzema once the Frenchman is fit again.
Ronaldo would like to return to the Spanish capital, with Atletico Madrid also being tipped as a possible destination for the veteran. But Atletico could struggle to pay his wages as they are still trying to balance their books after exiting the Champions League at the group stages.
The blockbuster star bagged a staggering 450 goals and 131 assists during 438 appearances for Real between 2009 and 2018. And after a three-year spell with Juventus, he signed for United for a second time.
As well as lifting the first of five Ballon d’Ors during his first stint at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup. But his second spell with the club has been miserable and he has started just four of his side’s 14 Premier League matches since Ten Hag was appointed boss in the summer.