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Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo has been the biggest player who is still unsure about his future after reports surfaced about him wanting to leave Manchester United. There reportedly have been several suitors who had emerged for the five-time Ballon D’or winner but no one club has put in an acceptable offer for the 36-year-old.
Premier League team Chelsea FC was one of the few elusive clubs in this conversation but had retracted their interest in CR7. But despite these rumours, one of their super fans has begged the London-based club to sign Ronaldo after their uncharacteristic form in the preseason. This Blues’ super fan is former England cricketer Kevin Pieterson and he recently tweeted lobbying for signing the Portuguese striker.
KP tweeted, “Sign @Cristiano please @ChelseaFC.” The 2009 T20 World Cup winner had made a similar request on his birthday a month back that said, "All I want for my birthday is @Cristiano signing for @ChelseaFC."
But despite these rumours, Manchester United has been adamant about not selling Cristiano Ronaldo in this window. Similarly, the new manager, Eric Ten Hag also seconded this thought as he talked about integrating CR7 in the lineup despite him being not part of the preseason tour. Ten Hag also believes that Ronaldo's absence did not concern him and that he awaited his return.
"Concerning is maybe not the right word," said Ten Hag when asked for an update on Cristiano Ronaldo. "I focus on the players who are there and they are doing really well. They are in good shape and I have further focus on that and develop that. I cannot wait for (Ronaldo) to come in and then we will integrate him."
Ten Hag also talked about the extensive pre-season tour as the club is playing matches in three continents. "I think it's part of football nowadays and you have to accept it as a manager, as a team, and you have to get the best out of it and that's what we did," Ten Hag added.
"It's great for the team spirit, for so long we are together and we can improve that and develop that. You have a lot of time to work on the team because you are so close together. It's great to have the experience to come to nice cities, Bangkok, Melbourne, Perth, not every day we're coming here,” he stated.