Cristiano Ronaldo’s mother has vowed to do all she can to convince the star to move to Sporting Lisbon this summer, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner faces an uncertain future at Juventus.
Ronaldo’s career is at a crossroads going into the summer transfer window.
The Portuguese icon has just over a year to run on his Juventus contract, but faces the prospect of a year in the Europa League if he stays.
Juve are reportedly set to sanction a squad overhaul this summer and plan to build around younger players, sparking suggestions Ronaldo could make way.
If he does leave, a return to Manchester United has been tentatively suggested.
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Ronaldo is still a club icon at Old Trafford, as was evidenced whenever he returned to the club for either Real Madrid or Juventus.
But he could end up returning to another of his old clubs instead.
Sporting Lisbon, the club Ronaldo started his career with, recently became Portuguese champions for the first time since 2002.
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They hadn’t won the title since before they sold their prized asset to United, and are now favourites with the bookies to buy him back this summer.
And Ronaldo’s mother clearly wants the deal to happen.
According to Calciomercato, via JuveFC, she said: “Tomorrow I will go to see him and talk to him.
“Next season he will play at Alvalade [Sporting’s stadium]. I will convince him to come back”
It’s been suggested that Ronaldo’s sponsorship deal with Nike could help fund the deal, with reports claiming Sporting will sign with the kit manufacturing giant from next season.
Ronaldo has a lifetime deal with Nike.
