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Just when we thought that we had seen enough in this summer transfer window, things have escalated to an absolutely whole-new level with Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed to leave Juventus. Having started Juventus' first match of Serie A against Udinese on bench, there were lot of speculations regarding the future of Portuguese skipper at the club. It was later confirmed that the 36-year-old had expressed his desire to leave the Italian giants. Things started to unfold in the coming days and Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri officially confirmed the news of the player's departure.
While it was earlier reported that Man City were leading the race to secure the services of the forward, it has now been revealed that Pep Guardiola's side have dropped out the idea after failing to reach an agreement with both the player and the club. Interestingly, Ronaldo's former club Manchester United are now leading the race to sign the Portuguese setting up a sensational homecoming for the player after he left the club 12 years back.
With only a few days left for the deadline day, welcome to the live blog of one of the most exciting transfer stories of all time.
11:55 PM IST: Looks like 'Agent Bruno' played his part in the transfer
11:50 PM IST: Evra shares screenshot of Whatsapp chat with CR7
10:50 PM IST: Ronaldo's farewell post for Juventus
Today I depart from an amazing club, the biggest in Italy and surely one of the biggest in all of Europe. I gave my heart and soul for Juventus and I’ll always love the city of Turin until my final days. The “tiffosi bianconeri” always respected me and I tried to thank that respect by fighting for them in every game, every season, every competition. In the end, we can all look back and realize that we achieved great things, not all that we wanted, but still, we wrote a pretty beautiful story together. I will always be one of you. You are now part of my history, as I feel that I’m part of yours. Italy, Juve, Turin, tiffosi bianconeri, you’ll always be in my heart - Cristiano Ronaldo
10:00 PM IST: Estimated transfer fees to be around €20 million
Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Man Utd after 12 years
9:30 PM IST: Welcome home - Cristiano!
Manchester United have official confirmed the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. The medicals will be taking place very soon. The champion is returning home! Absolutely Sensational!
9:20 PM IST: Ronaldo to Man Utd - Here we go!
9:15 PM IST: Ronaldo had reportedly been offered a 2-year contract
As per reports, Manchester United have offered a 2-year contract to Cristiano Ronaldo. The club has reportedly given an offer of €25m plus add-ons to Juventus. Exact details expected to be revealed soon.
8:30 PM IST: CR7's return to Man Utd closer than ever before
8:20 PM IST: Juventus receives official bid from Man Utd
Fabrizio Romando confirms that Juventus have just received an OFFICIAL bid from Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo. Both the clubs are ready to find an agreement to complete the deal.
It must be noted that Paul Pogba is not included in any negotiation.
8:00 PM IST: Man Utd officially submits the contract proposal
7:45 PM IST: Ronaldo and Man Utd talks in advanced stages
7:35 PM IST: Man City are absolutely out of the race
It looks like Manchester United are the only club left in the race for signing CR7 as their city rivals have dropped out. "Manchester City are completely out of the negotiations for Cristiano Ronaldo. They also communicated the same to Juventus and Jorge Mendes. There was no agreement on personal terms details and fee for Juventus. Big issues since yesterday," as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Juventus had reportedly demanded €30 million as transfer fees which was slightly higher than Man City had initially expected. It will be interesting to see if Man Utd are ready to pay that amount or if there will be any more negotiations regarding the same.
7:25 PM IST: Man Utd preparing an offer for CR7
7:10 PM IST: ANOTHER HUGE TWIST!
6:55 PM IST: Manchester United in race to sign Ronaldo
Contrary to the earlier reports that Manchester United are out of the race, it has now been reported that the Red Devils are seriously interested in securing the services of their former player once again.
"Manchester United have been in direct contact with Jorge Mendes since yesterday night for Cristiano Ronaldo comeback. Now board talking about figures of the deal, potential salary & also fee for Juventus," as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
6:50 PM IST: Ronaldo has left Turin on his private jet
Cristiano Ronaldo went to Juventus training ground today and said goodbye to his teammates. Few hours later, he is on his private jet with his future set to be decided in upcoming hours.