Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the world’s most famous football players. While some of us check Irish Lotto winning numbers in hopes of a windfall, Ronaldo makes millions, if not billions, on the football field, impressing sports fans worldwide. Even Americans know about him thanks to a Nike commercial that also featured The Simpsons. But are the rumours of his exit from Man United false, or is there some truth to it? We’ll spread things out on the table to help our readers decide.
The Basics of Ronaldo
Since most of our readers probably know about Ronaldo already, we’ll keep this section brief. Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, who hails from Portugal, started playing in the Sporting CP B in 2002, then switched to Manchester United (Man Utd) in 2003 at the age of 18. He has won countless awards, including five Ballon d’Or awards, 32 trophies, 4 European Golden Shoes, and countless awards for goals and league titles.
But stopping at his trophy case would not do Ronaldo justice. He was the world’s highest-paid athlete according to Forbes in 2016 and 2017, ESPN’s most famous athlete from 2016 to 2019, was one of Time’s most influential people in 2014 and is the only football player in history to make $1 billion. Even people who do not follow football might know his name.
Why Would He Transfer?
Part of it might have to do with Man Utd’s current state. Man Utd ended their campaign with appalling losses against Brighton and Crystal Palace.
After the loss against Brighton, the club announced the appointment of Erik ten Hag as manager to replace Ralf Rangnick. Rangnick admitted that the team might need up to ten new players in the summer; according to the BBC, Ten Hag is up to the challenge.
Unfortunately, this also means that Man United needs Ronaldo now more than ever. Even if Man Utd changed the rest of its team, Ronaldo’s star power might keep fans watching them. They would lose their biggest player if Ronaldo got transferred.
But there is another reason that Ronaldo could transfer: age. Ronaldo is just over the average age of football player retirement of 35 years old. If Ronaldo wants to do anything else in football, he does not have long to do it.
So, Are the Transfer Rumours Real?
Probably not. Erik ten Hag is very eager to work with Ronaldo, and who wouldn’t be? But after Man United has fallen as far as it has, they need Ronaldo’s power, agility, and charisma to keep themselves afloat. Selling Ronaldo would be a death knell for the club. He’s Man Utd’s inspiration, especially right now.
On one hand, if Ronaldo wants to transfer, I don’t think anyone could deny him; on the other, Man Utd will need to cling to him like a lifebuoy for as long as they can. Remember, he doesn’t have long left to play. But if anyone can play football at 40, it will probably be Ronaldo.
Conclusion
While the news feels mixed on whether Ronaldo will transfer or not, most of the evidence points to “no”—at least, not this season. With Manchester United in a dark place, they need Ronaldo’s talent and star status to guide them. The Mirror cites Ronaldo as not only being locked into Man Utd until 2023 but also giving Erik ten Hag advice on what kind of players he should look for next. Even if he retires after 2023, he’s still helping Man Utd by preparing them for the future.
Actions speak louder than words. Even if Ronaldo doesn’t play for Man United after 2023, it’s clear that the club has a place in his heart. With help from the world’s greatest football player and a manager who wanted a challenge, Man Utd should be back on their feet well before that 2023 date. Keep an eye on them; they’re being shepherded by some of the best!