Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has said a move for Cristiano Ronaldo is "practically impossible" for the Spanish side.
Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Manchester United after just one season, and is understood to want Champions League football. The Portugal international missed United's pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand for family reasons, but has returned for showdown talks ahead of the upcoming season.
Erik ten Hag has consistently stressed the veteran is part of his plans as the manager looks to lead the English club back into the top four. And, while Ronaldo reportedly informed the club of his desire to leave, no move has materialised.
"I don't know who invented the story of [ Ronaldo], but it's practically impossible for him to come to Atlético de Madrid," Cerezo told El Partidazo de COPE. The comments come after a number of other clubs all but ruled themselves out of the running.
"I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career," Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told SPORT1. "But once again: That was and is not a topic for us."
Chelsea appeared to be the most likely Premier League suitors, but they - and French giants Paris Saint-Germain - also appear to have passed. Meanwhile, Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim has played down the chances of Ronaldo returning to his first club.
Where will Cristiano Ronaldo play his football this season? Have your say in the comments section
"Is Ronaldo a chance? I already heard that, I don't read anything, I don't see anything," Amorim was quoted as saying by Record. "For me the reality is different, it's keeping my players.
“I'm happy that Matheus Nunes is still here. I'm happy that Sporting's players, as Matheus Nunes, reject offers that would change their lives to stay at Sporting. This is my reality, I am very happy with my squad and my players are the best in the world.”
Atletico's links with Ronaldo come after they lost another veteran striker this summer. Luis Suarez has moved on after the expiry of his contract, having helped Diego Simeone's side win La Liga in 2021.
Despite Ronaldo top-scoring last term with 24 goals, Man Utd missed out on Champions League football by a considerable distance. Ten Hag has arrived from Ajax and will hope to lead the club back into the top four and has already made additions to his squad.
Tyrell Malacia has joined from Feyenoord, with Christian Eriksen joining after his short-term deal at Brentford expired and a deal announced for Lisandro Martinez. However, it remains to be seen whether the new boss has done enough to convince Ronaldo his future lies in Manchester.
With more than a month until the end of the transfer window, United still have time to make new additions. There may also be time for Ronaldo to seal his exit, but - for now at least - a move to Atleti appears to be a very long shot.
