Carlo Ancelotti's verdict on Cristiano Ronaldo could encourage Todd Boehly to accelerate the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old striker was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea on a number of occasions before he and Manchester United parted company.
As the five-time Ballon d'Or winner set his sights on World Cup glory with Portugal, talk of a move to Stamford Bridge quietened down. But, after Fernando Santos' side were knocked out of the tournament by Morocco in the quarter-final, speculation regarding his future has sparked fresh interest.
It's believed that Ronaldo has received offers from the Middle East and Australia but he’s said to be holding out for an approach from a Champions League side. In the meantime, the Portuguese star has returned to Valdebebas, the Real Madrid training complex, to maintain his fitness, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.
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The report states that Los Blancos gave him permission to train - alone - on a different field to the one which the first team uses. It's believed that Ronaldo looked to return to the Spanish capital in the summer - whether that had been the La Liga champions or Atletico - but neither club was interested.
However, it seems that it was Real Madrid president Florentino Perez who had the final say on whether the club legend can return after Ancelotti's latest verdict has come to light. Speaking to Mais Futebol earlier this month, the former Chelsea boss downplayed claims that Ronaldo is a 'problem'.
"Ronaldo’s last dance? I don’t know, he probably still feels like he’s 20 because he’s okay, he’s got the answers he’s looking for in his body," Ancelotti said. "He’s always taken great care of your physique. However, the competition in the Portugal national team is very strong. I had him for two years, zero problems.
"Actually, he solved my problems. Can someone who scores at least one goal per game be considered a problem? Cristiano trains very well, pays attention to detail, for me it was very easy to deal with. He’s an exceptional player."
While Ancelotti appears somewhat open to Ronaldo's return, the same can't be said about Perez. The Mirror report that the Real Madrid chief was 'enraged' after the veteran striker's desire to leave was made public in 2018.
Then, when a fan asked Perez to sign Ronaldo in the summer, he laughed off the proposition. He replied: "Cristiano? Again? At 38?"
Convincing Perez to sign Ronaldo at Real Madrid could be a tough ask for Ancelotti but the Italian's words hold weight. Nothing is confirmed but, with Boehly known to be keen on the veteran, he might now be inclined to fast-track his arrival.
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