Sporting boss Ruben Amorim has moved to cool speculation that Cristiano Ronaldo was ever a target for the Portuguese giants.
Ronaldo’s Manchester United future is arguably the biggest story of the summer window so far, less than 12 months on from his emotional Old Trafford return. The 37-year-old ended his first season back in English football as United’s top scorer, but from a collective point of view, it was a miserable season for the Red Devils.
Despite his 18 goals in the league, United endured their worst ever Premier League season, racking up a feeble 58 points on their way to a sixth-placed finish. That lowly position also ensures they will not be in the Champions League next term - and will instead have to settle for the Europa League.
That is seemingly not good enough for Ronaldo, who holds the record for most goals scored in Europe’s top competition with 141. And he is desperate to continue to pull away from his great rival Lionel Messi and has therefore requested that an offer be accepted should it be deemed suitable.
The Portuguese forward has also not been present during Erik ten Hag’s first pre-season in charge, with that absence attributed to personal issues. However, despite his desire to move on this summer, his list of potential suitors appears to be a short one.
Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Chelsea have all seemingly removed themselves from the running, while Atletico Madrid would face severe financial obstacles should they wish to bring him back to the Spanish capital.
Last week, reports in Portugal had suggested that Sporting - the club where he started his career - were in advanced talks over a loan move. Sport TV went as far to say that his car was spotted outside of their stadium, with negotiations over a temporary switch ongoing.
Ronaldo quickly dispelled that notion however, responding to the outlet on social media, branding the reports as “fake”. And while Amorim didn’t completely deny Sporting’s interest, he did suggest the reality of their window was vastly different to bringing in the world’s most famous footballer.
"Is Ronaldo a chance? I already heard that, I don't read anything, I don't see anything. For me the reality is different, it's keeping my players,” Record quoted him as saying. Instead Amorim, who is hoping to wrestle the Portuguese title back from FC Porto, said his full focus on keeping players like Matheus Nunes at the club.
He added: “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.”
Speaking at the end of their tour of Asia and Australia, Ten Hag revealed he wasn’t worried by his talisman’s status at the start of the summer and was excited to bring him back into the squad upon their return to Carrington.
"Concerning is maybe not the right word," he said of Ronaldo’s absence. "I focus on the players who are there and they are doing really well. They are in good shape and I have further focus on that and develop that. I cannot wait for him to come in and then we will integrate him."
