If the latest reports are to be believed, Cristiano Ronaldo could be set for a sensational return to England, though not for the Red Devils…. We are talking about a reunion with former Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho who now manages Russian-owned club Chelsea. Is the ‘Special One’ more special to Ronaldo than his former home at Old Trafford?
According to the Daily Express, the two-time Ballon d’Or winner will be the subject of a transfer battle between Manchester United and Chelsea for a reported £60 million. However, the Real Madrid left-winger holds only one club close to his heart.
While speaking to The Daily Mail he was quoted saying, “Everyone knows that – I have said it many times. Manchester is in my heart. I left many good friends there, the supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day”.
Of course, he could be tempted away from Chelsea with an offer from new United boss Louis Van Gaal, that would very likely be more than his current £290,000 weekly salary. If he does leave next season then Madrid may look to replace him with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus as alternatives.
Ronaldo was reportedly not happy with his club letting go of all-stars Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria to Bayern Munich and Manchester United respectively. A move to Old Trafford would reunite him with Di Maria. Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is now a director at Old Trafford and would more than likely welcome his protégé back with open arms.
Ronaldo spent six fruitful years under the tutelage of the legendary Sir Alex and former United manager David Moyes had also expressed interest in bringing him back, though that never quite materialized. Last season the Portuguese sensation signed a new deal to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to Goal.com, Ronaldo didn’t have the best time under Mourinho during the ‘Special One’s’ three years at Real Madrid. Though as Chelsea boss, he did once say Ronaldo was the best player he had ever worked with. Well his loyalty will truly be put through the test when the Red Devils and the Blues, battle it out for his services next summer.