Fansided

Cristiano Ronaldo has potential landing spots narrowed down

By Brad Berreman

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the first goal of Portugal's forward Goncalo Guedes during the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 preparation match between Portugal vs Algeria in Lisbon on June 7, 2018. (Photo by Carlos Palma/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates the first goal of Portugal's forward Goncalo Guedes during the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 preparation match between Portugal vs Algeria in Lisbon on June 7, 2018. (Photo by Carlos Palma/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Cristiano Ronaldo hinted at leaving Real Madrid after the Champions League final, and now he reportedly has potential landing spots narrowed down.

After his team’s 3-1 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final, Cristiano Ronaldo fueled speculation about his future by suggesting it’s been “very nice” playing for Real Madrid. Frustration over stalled contract talks is at the root of things, but the sentiment of deciding his future “in the next few days” has now stretched a couple weeks.

But if Ronaldo is indeed set on leaving the team he’s under contract with for three more years, his potential destinations are being narrowed down. According to Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC, Ronaldo and his camp have ruled out any move outside of a few specific destinations within Europe.

So any speculation about Ronaldo landing in MLS is out the window, along with anywhere in the Middle East, China or Japan. Corrigan’s source confirms that only France’s Ligue 1, the English Premier League and maybe Italy’s Serie A are seen as viable destinations.

Ronaldo has had a least a share of the Champions League scoring title in six straight seasons, and said as much after the win in the Champions League final as part of his brewing frustration. He reportedly isn’t happy with being paid significantly less than fellow stars Lionel Messi and Neymar, with the latter rumored to be of interest to Real Madrid.

“For a sixth year in a row I am the top scorer in the best competition,” Ronaldo said. “I am not annoyed as when you do everything with your heart, you are not sorry about anything. I don’t want to take over from the unique moment of my teammates who deserve it, who are real champions. Thanks to them I have won so much.”

Next: One reason to watch every 2018 World Cup team

Ronaldo also has ongoing tax issues in Spain, which complicates matters. The surprise resignation of Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane last week may be pushing him toward finding a new team, sooner rather than later. If Neymar is indeed going to make a move from Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez may also want a resolution to Ronaldo’s situation soon.

Home/Champions League