Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo admits it's practically impossible for the club to sign Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.
Ronaldo, 37, was spotted at Carrington with super agent Jorge Mendes on Tuesday morning for crunch talks with United manager Erik ten Hag and other key figures at the club. It was the first time that Ronaldo had reported back after being granted additional leave this summer.
He did not board the plane to Thailand and Australia with his teammates on their pre-season tour. That was down to a family matter — which the club formally accepted — but there has also been mounting speculation on his future over that same time.
READ MORE: Ronaldo and Mendes arrive at Carrington
Chelsea and Bundesliga side Bayern Munich distanced themselves from a summer swoop, while reports in France claimed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner was offered to big-spending Paris Saint-Germain. Ronaldo also rebuffed a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia and United insist the player will not be sold.
Despite spending nine glittering years with Real Madrid after leaving United for the first time, it had been claimed Ronaldo was edging towards a move to cross-city rivals Atletico. However, those suggestions have been dispelled by the man in charge at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Speaking to reporters, Cerezo said: "I've said it many times. I don't know who invented the story about Cristiano. But I'll tell you, it's practically impossible for him to come to Atletico Madrid."
United have yet to provide an update on the discussions that took place with Ronaldo and Mendes.
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