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Reports say that Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have expressed interest in signing Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese international has allegedly submitted a transfer request as he wants to leave Old Trafford this summer. Notably, CR7 is eyeing to play for a club in the Champions League.
According to various reports, the La Liga club will join Bayern Munich in the race to sign the five-time Ballon d'Or winner. French club Paris Saint Germain and Chelsea from the Premier League were also rumoured to make a move for the 37-year-old, but have reportedly ruled out signing him this summer.
But Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has affirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo is here to stay with the Red Devils and is not for sale. Ten Hag then talked about how CR7 is a part of the team’s plan. While speaking at the press conference during Manchester United’s preseason game in Bangkok, Ten Hag said, “We are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that's it. I'm looking forward to working with him. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale. He is in our plans and we want success together.”
“He's not with us and it's due to personal issues. I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano Ronaldo and me. What I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together. I didn't speak to him after (the news),” he continued.
Ten Hag reaffirmed Ronaldo’s status in the club and said, "We made a statement and nothing has changed,” ahead of Friday's friendly match against A-League team Melbourne Victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United from Juventus for a fee of €15 million last summer. The forward had an impressive 2021-22 season as he netted 24 goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.
Despite the Portugal international's goal tally and consistent performances, Manchester United had a dismal campaign as they finished sixth in the Premier League table. Cristiano Ronaldo was third on the goal scorer’s list behind Heung-min Son and Mohammed Salah.