Picture the scene. It's early September and the floodlights which illuminate Craven Cottage only grow brighter as the sun disappears from view in west London. Chelsea require a goal against Fulham and Reece James has possession down the right. He looks up, crosses, and the ball is thunderously met by the head of Cristiano Ronaldo.
It is pure theatre from there on. Ronaldo bounds toward the corner flag and leaps into the air to produce his trademark celebration. "Suiiii!!" bellow the Chelsea supporters in unison with the Portuguese superstar. It is a moment clipped and shared on social media thousands of times. A goal replayed across the world. A dream come true for many.
Intoxicating, isn't it? The idea of Ronaldo; the possibility of one of the greatest players of all time pulling on a Chelsea shirt week after week after joining from Manchester United. So what that he's 37 years old? So what that the last two teams he's represented have regressed despite his undeniable brilliance? So what if he doesn't fit Thomas Tuchel's system? Just think of the cache – and the marketing opportunities.
