Watch: Fabrizio Romano reveals ‘truth’ of Cristiano Ronaldo’s next move
We’re into the final week of the transfer window and Cristiano Ronaldo remains at Manchester United. Fabrizio Romano has outlined the state of play as we approach a key few days ahead, while commenting on the rumours that have emerged linking Ronaldo with Marseille.
It’s a saga that’s rumbled on all summer, and transfer insider Romano has consistently been updating us on the ins and outs of the situation.
Ronaldo has had offers from a club in Saudi Arabia and another in MLS, but it’s said that he wants to remain in the Champions League – reportedly in large part due to a desire to protect his goalscoring record in the competition ahead of Lionel Messi.
United finished sixth last term and can only offer Europa League football. But the 37-year-old’s lucrative contract at Old Trafford runs for another year, and – on the record, at least – new boss Erik ten Hag has made clear his desire to keep Ronaldo at the club.
But Ten Hag benched the veteran goalscorer in Monday evening’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool – a bold call and big statement as we approach the final few days of the summer transfer window.
Bayern Munich and Chelsea were cited as two major clubs that considered signing the wantaway striker, but they have since turned down the chance to sign him. Napoli and Borussia Dortmund have also been suggested as more leftfield destinations, but neither of those clubs appears likely.
Last week, Ronaldo posted a comment on Instagram suggesting he’ll reveal all about the goings on at United this summer once the transfer window closes and his immediate future is settled for good.
“They know the truth when they interview in a couple weeks. The media is telling lies. I have a notebook and in the last few months of the 100 news I made, only 5 were right. Imagine how it is. Stick with that tip,” he posted.
READ: The 10 highest-paid Premier League players in 22-23: Ronaldo, Casemiro…
Now reports suggest that Marseille are interested in his signature. The Ligue 1 side can offer Champions League football but are surely unable to offer a fraction of the wages that United are paying.
“The situation with Cristiano Ronaldo is still at the same point,” Romano began.
“Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is still trying to find the best solution for Cristiano around Europe until the last minute of the transfer window, but it’s not easy to find a club at the level of Cristiano Ronaldo.
“He’s been super professional in training, even if he was not starting with Liverpool, he’s always been super serious in training, super professional. I’m told he’s not creating any kind of problems in the dressing room.
“Man United insist that Cristiano is not for sale and trust in his part of the project this season, but let’s see until the end of the market.
“I wanted to clarify on the rumours with Olympique Marseille. Let me say, there is nothing going on between Olympique Marseille and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“No meetings to sign Cristiano, no negotiations.
“But it’s also important to say that from what I’m told the Olympique Marseille president Pablo Longoria is angry and sad about those rumours.”
You can watch the video here.
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