Cristiano Ronaldo responds as eye-catching report claims Man Utd exit discussions are ‘underway’

Cristiano Ronaldo has issued a brief response to suggestions he will leave Manchester United for Sporting Lisbon this summer.

Ronaldo spent time in the Sporting academy and played 31 matches for their first team before joining Manchester United in 2003. Of course, he is now back at the Theatre of Dreams following hugely successful spells at Real Madrid and Juventus.

Ronaldo still loves Sporting and this has led to rumours he could go back to the Portuguese club. Alongside Roma and Bayern Munich, they have been linked with his signature in recent weeks.

The striker, 37, is unsure whether he will be able to end his career on a high with Manchester United. They are going through a period of transition under Erik ten Hag and are far behind the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

Ronaldo’s desire to lift major honours in the next few seasons would put a Sporting move in doubt. They have won one Primeira Liga title in 20 years and have never triumphed in the Champions League or Europa League.

Despite this, Sport TV Portugal claim talks between United and Sporting are ‘underway’, as cited by the Daily Express.

He would move back to Lisbon as part of a loan move. This is because Sporting do not have the finances to match his transfer value.

The outlet suggests Ronaldo’s car is parked at Sporting’s stadium. But the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has come in with a stern response to the links.

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to transfer links

As per Fabrizio Romano, the attacker has called it ‘fake news’. And Romano states he has no intention of re-joining Sporting ahead of next season.

This might change in the future, as Ronaldo could consider ending his career with the Primeira Liga club. But right now he feels he has a few more years in him and wants to make sure these are successful.

Rumoured suitors Bayern have no interest in taking him to the Bundesliga, according to their CEO Oliver Kahn. He said recently: “I love Cristiano Ronaldo and everyone knows what a fantastic player he is. But every club has a certain philosophy and I’m not sure if it would be the right signal for Bayern if we signed him.”

Should Manchester United keep Cristiano Ronaldo?

Do Manchester United need Cristiano Ronaldo next season?

As much as Ronaldo wants to win major trophies such as the Champions League, he may have to settle at United and see out the final year of his contract.

Clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have the finances to capture Ronaldo. But they have other strikers available and won’t want to spend such a huge amount of money on a veteran player.

Meanwhile, United have agreed a deal with Ajax to sign Argentine defender Lisandro Martinez.