Picture Credit: Twitter
Cristiano Ronaldo is among the greatest footballers to ever play the sport. The 37-year-old has carved his name in the history books for his record-shattering performances over the years. While Ronaldo has done everything possible to be recognised as the best amongst the current crop of footballers, Lionel Messi has been his real arch-rival who has challenged him on every occasion.
As per the latest reports, Cristiano Ronaldo is desperate to leave Manchester United due to fear that Messi could catch his Champion League record. Notably, the Portuguese great is currently the top scorer in the history of Europe's top continental competition with 141 goals, but his arch-rival Lionel Messi is second with 125. The biggest matter of concern for Ronaldo is that Messi will be playing in the Champions League with Paris Saint-German in the new season, while Ronaldo will be in the Europa League if he stays with the Red Devils.
According to former Chelsea and Celtic striker Tony Cascarino, Ronaldo wants to end his illustrious career as the greatest Champions League goalscorer of all time. "I am a bit suspicious because he has got 141 goals in the Champions League. Messi has got 125," he said. Cascarino further informed that Ronaldo has already conveyed his decision to Manchester United and told the club that he wants to leave this summer.
Cascarino told talkSPORT that Ronaldo is a player who has high self-esteem. "A lot of it is about him but the team he played in have been successful, so you always go with that as a team player. Great, he scores goals, he gets the accolades, he’s one of the greatest that’s ever played the game. You can have all that and that’s fine, as long as you’re winning. When you don’t win, now you’ve got a problem," he said.
In another report published in The Athletic, Chelsea and Bayern Munich are keeping a close eye on Ronaldo's situation and reportedly, Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes had been in contact with the Stamford Bridge club. Napoli is also believed to be in the running to sign Ronaldo. Notably, Ronaldo still has one year left on his two-year deal that he signed last summer after he made a sensational return to United from Juventus.
Despite adding Ronaldo to their ranks, United had a forgettable 2021/22 season as they finished to qualify for the Champions League after collecting the club's lowest Premier League points tally to finish in sixth place.