CRISTIANO RONALDO won’t be returning to Sporting Lisbon in the summer, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
This works as a major boost for Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on a reunion with Ronaldo ahead of the summer transfer window.
1
The star forward’s future at Juventus has become uncertain amid a turbulent season for the Bianconeri, who have surrendered their Serie A crown to Inter Milan and are facing the unthinkable possibility of missing out on Champions League football.
Reports suggested that the Portugal international was considering a return to boyhood club Sporting.
The 36-year-old’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, fuelled speculation after the Lisbon giants won their first Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years.
Aveiro vowed to Sporting fans that she will do everything in her power to convince her son to come back to his homeland.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
She said: “I’ll talk to him to bring him back. Next year he will play in Alvalade [Sporting’s stadium].”
According to Record, however, Mendes poured cold water on that prospect as he insists the Portuguese league is not part of their plans.
But the famous agent confirmed Ronaldo is very happy for his former team’s league triumph.
Mendes said: “Cristiano is proud of the title won by Sporting, in fact, as he has publicly demonstrated.
“But at the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal.”
This opens the door for United with recent reports suggesting Ronaldo is “tempted” to come back to Old Trafford.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
