By now, it’s no longer new news that one of the most famous athletes on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at his current club, Real Madrid. So, there has been a lot of rumors of his pending transfer. Now, I know what most people are thinking, “It’s not a transfer season if there are no rumors of Messi or Ronaldo moving”, but reports have it that he told his Portuguese teammates at the ongoing FIFA Confederations Cup, that he is indeed leaving Madrid.
Now, all these are just unconfirmed reports, but we cannot but wonder if there is an element of truth to it. So, if truly the World’s Best Player is moving, I'd like to take a look at some of the possible options.
1. Manchester United
They lack identity and it hurts me. I wish Jose Mourinho can take them back to the top – Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United means a lot to Ronaldo. It was where he first started his football domination and won his first Champions league trophy in 2008, his first Balon d’Or and also became the first Premier League player to be named the FIFA World Player of the Year. Just recently, he admitted missing the adulation he received from the United faithfuls.
It is being reported that Manchester United are planning to make a super mega deal of £183m which includes David de Gea for Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata. And according to The Sun, Ronaldo favors a switch to his former club, having told his agent, Jorge Mendes, to make a deal possible.
2. Paris Saint-Germain
PSG are big fans of Ronaldo, and they have tried to sign him on various occasions. Reports claim that his agent has met with PSG. PSG have been looking to replace their star forward, Zlatan. Ronaldo was just 18 years old when he left Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m, making him at that time, the most expensive teenager in English football history. Now, two clubs later, he has achieved almost all there is to achieve in the game, and with another Balon d’Or in the works, he might just favor ending his career in his home country, Portugal.
3. Sporting Lisbon
Ronaldo was just 18 years old when he left Sporting Lisbon for £12.24m, making him at that time, the most expensive teenager in English football history. Now, two clubs later, he has achieved almost all there is to achieve in the game, and with another Balon d’Or in the works, he might just favor ending his career in his home country, Portugal.
4. AC Milan
Milan has a new owner, who is hoping to return the club to its glory days. With all the restructuring that is happening there, they may want to get Ronaldo and build a team around him, although that would be more of a short term plan as the 32 year old doesn’t have many seasons left in him. And also, will Ronaldo favor a move to Italy?
5. Arsenal
Crazier things have happened in football. Arsene Wenger just signed a new contract, and with reports indicating that his main man, Alexis Sanchez, is almost out, he would be looking for someone to carry the team. Also, Ronaldo might fancy the thought of linking up with his former Madrid teammate, Mesuit Ozil. The big question is, however, will Wenger be willing to splash out big bucks on a 32 year old?
6. Chinese Super League
A year ago, China would have been everyone’s first guess, but with the new rule that imposes a lot of tax on foreign players, Ronaldo might not be interested in a move there. However, if he decides to move to China, he will still make a lot of money. Tax or no tax.
7. Real Madrid
Real Madrid won’t want to give up their best player just like that. After winning the Champions league back to back, and winning the La Liga title after four season, they will be looking to repeat the successes of last season. Without their main man, that feat seems impossible. So they would want to put up a fight and persuade him to stay. Already, Sergio Ramos has reportedly gotten in touch with Ronaldo, pleading with him to stay.
8. Retire?
Ronaldo has won everything possible in club football, at least more than two times. He is without a doubt going to win his fifth Balon d’Or this year. If no club can match his transfer fee and he is keen on leaving Madrid, he can decide to retire from club football and focus on helping Portugal win the world cup next season. Even though this is very unlikely.
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently focused on helping Portugal win the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia, where he has two goals already and his team has qualified for the semifinals. After the competition, we will see what happens.
So what are your thoughts, where will Ronaldo play next season?
@the23chronicles
@theprophet0, STEEM Witness & PeerPlays Witness.