Much to the surprise of everyone, it seems Cristiano Ronaldo might actually not leave Real Madrid this summer after all.
The Portugal captain, who became the Spanish and European champions’ all-time leading scorer last season, had reportedly told teammates he was ready to move on from the Bernanbeu.
As well as being linked with Paris Saint-Germain, a possible return to Manchester United – the club he left in 2009 – was also seen as a possible destination, with some reports going as far as saying the player wanted to move back to Old Trafford in time for the 2017/18 season.
Now though, just as United fans were preparing to rush out and get Ronaldo’s name and a number seven on the back of their new home shirts, word from Spain suggests he might be staying put.
A report in AS has claimed that the 32-year-old has been calmed down by the recent show of support from Real president, Florntino Perez.
Perez, who was reelected to his position on Monday, publicly backed Ronaldo on Spanish radio after news of his extended stay as club president was confirmed. This has, according to the AS report, been enough for Ronaldo to reconsider his decision to leave the club.
As the tweets below make perfectly clear, the development was one which United’s fans simply did not see coming…
https://twitter.com/ScottCrossland7/status/877463667717144576
Ronaldo staying? What a shock.
— Redstep (@xgq77) June 21, 2017
https://twitter.com/mufc__2016/status/877454433545834497
https://twitter.com/garyw_1986/status/877462729669435394
Ronaldo is staying after being linked to Manchester United.
Where have we heard that before?
— manuire🇵🇸 (@bettercallfoul) June 21, 2017
WOW! #Ronaldo is apparently rethinking his decision to leave Real?! Didn't see that coming. Big shock. #sarcasmoverload #CR7
— Mark Donovan (@hughsie_10) June 21, 2017
Ronaldo Staying At Madrid! #shock 😬😴 https://t.co/uQvWXuBC2d
— Steven Barrett (@StevenBarrett05) June 21, 2017
