Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli reveals slim possibility of Cristiano Ronaldo transfer this summer
Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo was linked with a move back to Italy this summer, with Napoli seen as potential suitors. However, Cristiano Giuntoli, the Serie A outfits sporting director, claims Gli Azzurri were not looking to bring the Portuguese to the club.
Ronaldo was angling for a move away from Manchester this summer. The 37-year-old wanted to go to a Champions League club. And several clubs, including the likes of Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, were interested in acquiring his services.
However, in the end, a move for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner never transpired. And speaking to Corriere dello Sport (h.t Manchester Evening News), Giuntoli asserted that Ronaldo was never a serious target for Napoli.
“During the transfer market we pretend to chat with everyone, and sometimes we do it for real. But we wanted to invest in a young team,”
United were successful in keeping a hold of the Portuguese legend as the transfer window concluded. And at least until January, the 37-year-old is in Erik ten hag’s plans.
However, last season’s top goalscorer has failed to find the net in the 2022/23 campaign for United. The Portuguese has also found it difficult to get into the starting lineup, with the new gaffer preferring other options.
Ronaldo made his way back to Manchester last summer after leaving for Real Madrid in 2009. In the previous season, he featured 39 times for the Red Devils in all competitions. The 37-year-old contributed with 24 goals and three assists.
Under Ten Hag, Ronaldo has had to settle for a role off the bench. The Portuguese has started just one of the first six Premier League fixtures. After four consecutive games coming on as a substitute, the 37-year-old finally started against Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
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It remains to be seen whether Ronaldo is able to claw his way back into the starting XI. If not, what the future holds for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner will make for interesting viewing.