So much for Cristiano Ronaldo craving a challenge.
The Portuguese sensation has himself previously claimed he's motivated by overcoming difficulty, but as his supposedly beloved Manchester United continue to find times toilsome, it appears the famed forward isn't up for the task. Remember that old adage: when the going gets tough, the tough get going? Well it seems Ronaldo has taken that quite literally.
The iconic No.7 was supposed to be the man to inspire United to a return to the glory days of yesteryear, glory days the 37-year-old himself was an integral part of. But amid revelations that Ronaldo has requested to leave Old Trafford this summer, the striker seems intent on shirking such responsibility as he contradicts his own challenge-craving claims.
Back in 2019, a year after ending his nine-year love affair with Real Madrid by signing for the underdogs that are Juventus, Ronaldo told TVI of how he "certainly loves challenges". The striker himself appeared to reinforce that assertion last summer by sealing a sensational Old Trafford homecoming.
In their hour of need, Ronaldo returned and it seemed for all the world he was ready to embark on arguably the greatest challenge of his illustrious career in helping restore United's status as one of football's most formidable forces. However, the club's fans have clearly been misled.
Just two years on from his challenge-craving declaration, Ronaldo left Juventus in the mire at the first sign of trouble. And while, suffice to say, there has been more than one indication that all is not well at Old Trafford, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is up to his old tricks.
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It seems Ronaldo doesn't intend to stick around to inspire a United comeback after all. In hindsight, it was remiss of the Red Devils to ignore the Juventus warning signs before sealing a sentimental reunion with the superstar.
Unsurprisingly, United appear adamant they will stand by their not-for-sale stance, but perhaps it is best for all parties that they let the club legend go. Clearly, he's not prepared to go into the trenches with Erik ten Hag so why waste the energy on trying to convince him to hang around for the fight?
Needless to say, while United must avoid offloading Ronaldo to a Premier League rival at all costs, should a suitable offer arrive from abroad this summer, the club may be better off doing away with their resistant approach. With the situation at risk of becoming messy, it may be wise for United to bow to Ronaldo's demands and preserve what's left of his legacy before it's too late.
Should United heed that advice, they will at least save some face and keep an ounce of dignity intact, amid the rest of the footballing world currently boasting 'we told you so'. Ronaldo's selfish request proves he doesn't aspire to overcome challenges after all as his insatiable appetite for Champions League football and individual accolades is evidently a greater priority.
Pertinently, the player contradicted his own challenge-loving claims a matter of minutes after making them in that in-depth interview back in 2019. Moments after his disingenuous declaration, Ronaldo also admitted he is "obsessed with success".
With United unable to offer both, the prolific Portuguese superstar has made his choice. It seems his incessant need for success will always supersede his appetite for adventure. And that's exactly why United must sacrifice sentimentality and move on.
