Aheed Abrar
Cristiano Ronaldo reveals he turned down move to Saudi club Al Hilal as he was happy at Manchester United
Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he turned down a move to Al Hilal in the summer of 2022 because he was happy staying at the Old Trafford side.
In July 2022, an unnamed side from Saudi Arabia, believed to be the Riyadh-based club, had offered £25 million to the Red Devils for the Portugal international’s signature. The side from the Middle East also offered the 37-year-old £233 million over the course of a two-year contract.
However, Ronaldo turned down the offer because he wanted Champions League football. Speaking to Piers Morgan on TalkTV (h/t Manchester Evening News), the Portuguese icon admitted to receiving a big-money offer. However, the 37-year-old felt he could still contribute for the Red Devils.
“It’s true, yes, it’s true. But what the press keep saying, the garbage, is that nobody wants me, which is completely wrong. And I was happy here to be honest, I was motivated to do a great season here [at United].
“It’s hard, it’s hard [turning down a big-money offer]. But in the same way, I thought that I was very happy here; that I am still capable of scoring goals.”
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future is now in the balance in Manchester. In the interview, he made some unsavoury comments about the club and the manager.
In the previous campaign, Ronaldo ended the season as the Old Trafford side’s top goalscorer, with 24 goals in all competitions. But unfortunately, the Portuguese icon has not had the same luck this term.
Erik ten Hag’s arrival has resulted in the 37-year-old’s influence in the team reducing. As a result, the legendary number seven has found himself on the bench on most occasions in the 2022/23 campaign.
Ronaldo has started four fixtures in the Premier League this season. And the forward seems to be missing his shooting boots. In 16 appearances in all competitions, the 37-year-old has found the back of the net three times and provided two assists.
More Manchester United News
- Christian Eriksen advises Manchester United loanee Hannibal Mejbri to enjoy maiden World Cup with Tunisia
- Gary Neville believes Cristiano Ronaldo wanted a way out of Manchester United by doing Piers Morgan interview
- Liverpool midfielder Fabinho aims dig at Manchester United trio Casemiro, Fred and Antony
United should have let go of the Portuguese icon when he seemingly expressed a desire to leave in the summer. Now, the issue has escalated further. And many fans do not see how the club and Ronaldo can reconcile their differences after the infamous interview.
