Will Cristiano Ronaldo join Chelsea from Manchester United this summer?As unlikely as it sounds - and it *is* hard to see the transfer happening as things stand - the possibility has been raised after Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes met Chelsea’s new chairman Todd Boehly last week.Per The Athletic’s David Ornstein and Dan Sheldon, Ronaldo’s situation and the idea of him moving to Chelsea this summer was among the subjects discussed.Ronaldo, who turns 38 next February, wants United to be competitive and is reportedly keen for the Red Devils to match his ambition by strengthening the squad.
Man Utd struggling to sign players ahead of 2022-23 season
But as we approach July, Man Utd are yet to make any signings - despite being linked with a host of high-profile names.
A handful of players have left Old Trafford in recent weeks including Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Nemanja Matic, and the idea that Ronaldo will follow them out the exit door before the start of the 2022-23 season isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United looks on during warm up for the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 07, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
Man Utd: Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale
However, as you might expect, BBC Sport claim United are adamant that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner who scored 24 goals in 38 games last season is not for sale.
Erik ten Hag is keen to work with the legendary Portuguese, although there are concerns that the ageing forward might not suit the Dutchman’s system.
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - MAY 07: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United at American Express Community Stadium on May 07, 2022 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
The day Ronaldo silenced Chelsea fans with flashy skill
After he was linked with a shock move to Chelsea, let’s cast out minds back to a glorious piece of fan-recorded footage from Ronaldo’s first spell at Man Utd.
Warming-up at Stamford Bridge before a game against the Blues, Ronaldo was mocked by Chelsea supporters after messing up a trick.
The Portugal superstar took this to heart and responded by pulling off the flashiest skill move to silence the same fans.
Watch the footage here:
It’s hard to think of many other - if any - footballers who’d back themselves to pull off such a move after being mocked seconds earlier.
This one little clip sums up Ronaldo’s mentality and shows that he’s always possessed remarkable self-belief.
That desire to want to prove his doubters wrong at every given opportunity has allowed him to scale such lofty heights during his illustrious career.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on May 02, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Will the next chapter of that stellar career take place at Stamford Bridge?
It seems pretty unlikely but the fact that Mendes and Boehly have been talking recently means it certainly can’t be ruled out at this stage.
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