Cristiano Ronaldo has been told that a stunning return to Real Madrid is 'impossible', but the Portuguese GOAT could head back to Sporting.
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All-time great frustrated at Al-NassrContract running down to free agencyLinked with clubs around the worldFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has seen his future become the subject of intense speculation – not for the first time in his remarkable career. It is being suggested that the evergreen 40-year-old frontman is ready to sever ties with Al-Nassr.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Ronaldo has been working on a record-breaking contract in the Saudi Pro League since 2023. Major silverware has, however, proved hard to come by during his time in Riyadh, and the all-time great continues to head towards free agency.
DID YOU KNOW?
Various landing spots for Ronaldo have been speculated on. He could head back to where it all began for him in Lisbon, bringing a stunning sporting story full circle, with it considered unlikely that one of his other former clubs – where he remains the all-time leading goal-scorer – would be interested in doing a deal.
Getty ImagesWHAT FERNANDO MORIENTES SAID
Ex-Los Blancos striker Fernando Morientes has told of what the immediate future holds for CR7: “As a footballer, we Real Madrid fans enjoyed Cristiano's best years at the Bernabeu. The impact he's had on modern football has been incredible.
“As you get older, obviously not just him, but everyone, expectations and ambitions change and you have to lower your standards a bit. I think when a player of that age joins the Saudi Pro League, it's to finish his professional footballing career and begin retirement.
“I don't know if he has any special motivation to wear a shirt; for example, Sporting Lisbon's was where he started. Obviously, Real Madrid's is almost impossible now.
“I like to see him where I see him, and I'd like him to retire wherever he wants to. I really like those players who start out with one team and end up retiring there. I don't know if Cristiano would have that motivation to do so at Sporting.”
