Fabio Capello thinks it is inevitable that Cristiano Ronaldo will return to Manchester United.
It now seems like Ronaldo is linked with a sensational move back to Old Trafford every time that the transfer window opens and, more often than not, it’s simply ended with an improved contract for the Real Madrid talisman.
Ronaldo is fast running out of challenges with the La Liga giants, after lifting his third consecutive Champions League trophy, and ex-Real Madrid manager Capello anticipates a scenario in which the reigning Ballon d’Or holder pushes for a return to United.
“Cristiano Ronaldo’s future with Real Madrid? Cristiano wants to return to Manchester United alongside Mourinho,” Capello told Sky Sports Italy. “I think he will eventually leave Madrid to go back to England. When? This I don’t know.”
Question-marks remain over the current Real squad after Zinedine Zidane’s shock decision to resign from his post as manager on Thursday afternoon.
Zidane walked away from his role after less than three years at the Bernabeu helm but Capello, who managed Real Madrid on two occasions, has claimed that the Frenchman was dangerously close to being sacked before last weekend’s Champions League triumph.
“This was Zidane’s choice and I think it was the right one,” Capello said. “He knew that Florentino would’ve sacked him if it wasn’t for that third straight UCL win. It was a matter of time. I was sacked from Real Madrid after a successful season… . I think Zizou made the right call.”
In terms of potential successors, Arsene Wenger was an early favourite to take over at Real but Capello has also admitted that Spurs’ Mauricio Pochettino remains a potential candidate as club president Florentino Perez aims to make an impact.
“What about Pochettino? Yes he could also be an option but let’s see,” Capello said. “If Ronaldo leaves Madrid, Real will have to replace him. Lewandowski could be an option. Benzema’s future? He is on Florentino’s good list. He got rid of Higuain to keep the French man. I don’t think he will sell him. Let’s not forget, it’s Florentino who makes the calls…”.
