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Sport

26th May 2016

Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘hurt’ to see Manchester United lack an identity

"A club I carry in my heart."

Simon Lloyd

Are these comments the proof that Cristiano Ronaldo is finally ready to make his long awaited return to Manchester United?

No. Of course they’re not.

As much as some United genuinely believe Ronaldo could one day return to the club, it’s pretty clear to the rest of the world that their former number seven has no interest in heading back to Manchester.

Manchester United v Chelsea - UEFA Champions League Final

That said, Ronaldo has admitted that he’s been saddened by his former club’s lack of success in recent seasons and has told Spanish programme Jugones that he hopes the appointment of Jose Mourinho helps take them back to the top.

Asked about Mourinho’s deal at United, he said:

“He’s already signed hasn’t he? I think it’s good. If it’s something United wanted, I think it’s good. I hope Manchester United get back to being what they were because it’s an impressive club but in the last years they lacked an identity a bit and it hurts me seeing United like that because it’s a club I carry in my heart. I wish Mourinho can restore them back to the top.”

Mourinho managed Ronaldo at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013. Although the pair clashed at times, Ronaldo added that there are no tensions between them.

“Without any problems I would embrace him. One of my greatest qualities is to not hold grudges at anyone regardless of the damage they may have done to me. I’m not saying he did, I’m saying in general. There were some problems like this in life, like you have problems with your wife.”

And what Cristiano Ronaldo interview would be complete without a question about his future? Despite rumours linking him with a move away from Madrid, it appears he’s staying put.

“Right now, yes, I am happy and I want to stay at this club. I don’t see any other club that is better than Real Madrid. If you weigh things up, there is no better club. So all other clubs can forget about me because Real Madrid is the best.”