Cristiano Ronaldo has gained encouragement from Atletico Madrid as he searches for a way out of Manchester United this summer. Atletico are actively attempting to make room for the Real Madrid legend by placing Antonio Griezmann on the transfer list.
In response to The Times, Los Rojiblancos have put Griezmann up on the market as they step up their interest in an audacious move for Ronaldo. They’re fascinated about helping the 37-year-old striker remain within the Champions League but must release space on their sizeable wage bill to accommodate his arrival.
Griezmann has entered the second 12 months of a two-year loan spell from Barcelona, although the deal features a ‘compulsory everlasting transfer clause’ price £25.5million. But his current status hasn’t prevented Atletico from trying to offload him and his squad-high £18,252,000 annual package.
The La Liga giants have began offering Griezmann to potential suitors, including Paris Saint-Germain. Nonetheless, PSG have shown little interest in recruiting the 31-year-old because the club enters a recent era under Christopher Galtier trying to rid themselves of overpaid players not in his plans.
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The report adds that Ronaldo has been ‘receptive’ to a switch to Atletico after Bayern Munich and Chelsea turned down the possibility to accumulate his services, despite his strong ties with their bitter city rivals. He flourished into one among the best players of all time between 2009 and 2018 on the Santiago Bernabeu, but a Wanda Metropolitano arrival appeals.
Ronaldo has been particularly impressed by Atletico head coach Diego Simeone’s enthusiasm to push their past differences aside and work with him within the Spanish capital. He has cited personal reasons as a stand-out consider his desire to go away Manchester for Madrid over again alongside the apparent – adding to his iconic legacy within the Champions League.
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The five-time Ballon d’Or winner holds the Champions League records for appearances (183), goals (140) and assists (42) but can be absent from Europe’s elite competition if he stays at United this season. The Red Devils’ sixth-place finish in a miserable 2021/22 season has condemned them to a Europa League return.
With just two weeks left until Erik ten Hag starts his first season as United manager, Ronaldo’s future is removed from resolved, and the circus surrounding the situation won’t be helping the Dutchman’s preparation. But he seems intent on exiting Old Trafford, and Jorge Mendes is actively working on finding him a way out. Atletico may very well be that ticket.
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