Pranav Nair
Christian Vieri: Jose Mourinho keen to beat Manchester United to Cristiano Ronaldo
Speaking to BOBO TV via Marca (h/t The Sun), former Italian international Christian Vieri has revealed that Jose Mourinho is keen to trump Manchester United to the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 36-year-old remains one of the best players in world football despite his ripe age. With a year to go on his current deal at Juventus, he has been backed to seek a new challenge this summer.
It would appear that if Mourinho has his way, Ronaldo will stay put in Italy. The former United boss took over as the new manager of AS Roma ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
“Mourinho wants to bring Cristiano Ronaldo to Roma.”
The duo had earlier worked together at Real Madrid during Ronaldo’s heyday. It was a largely troubled spell for the Portuguese aces together as they were often trumped by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona super team.
They did however win the 2011/12 La Liga title together before Mourinho departed the Bernabeu a year later. While Vieri’s revelation is interesting, it was swiftly dismissed by former Real Madrid striker Antonio Cassano.
He believes the previous bad blood between the duo rules out a former Reunion in Serie A. To add to it, Ronaldo earns an incredible £28 million per year at Juventus. It is difficult to see Roma being able to afford him even if he takes a pay cut.
“Mourinho didn’t get on well with Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid. How can you think he’s going to go to Roma.”
An expensive gamble?
Cassano’s comments point to a double-edged sword to United. While Ronaldo’s wages could prove to be too much for Roma, we might just have to end up forking the bill if we are keen to bring him back to Old Trafford.
The Glazers, under pressure themselves, are eyeing big-name signings this summer and are in touch with Ronaldo’s agent. Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is also in touch with his former teammate. (h/t The Express)
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It was a largely forgettable season for Juventus, who relinquished their Italian crown to Inter Milan. Ronaldo however continued to impress, leading the scoring charts and landing himself the best striker award.
