The Portuguese media is obviously attentive to Cristiano Ronaldo’s situation at Manchester United. Not only because Sporting have been rumoured as a potential destination for the star, but also due to the uncomfortable situation that has been created in the past couple of weeks.
Today, most local newspapers have stories only covering the information reported in England and in Spain regarding the 37-year-old’s future. But the most interesting things being said are coming from the opinion pieces, both on TV as in the written media.
Some strong quotes came on CMTV, where Paulo Catarro talked about the situation. The journalist first claimed that a return to Sporting is basically ruled out at this moment, and pointed out what a ‘sad’ scenario Cristiano Ronaldo has put himself by pushing to leave Manchester United this summer.
“The problem is the same, is to find a place for him to have peace of mind. It created a situation such that at this moment, if he were to come to Sporting, the information I have coincides with that of Nuno Dias’, which is completely out of the question that this could be possible…” started Paulo Catarro (via Record).
“If that were to happen, It already looked like a desperate situation. Yes, of desperation from him, Cristiano Ronaldo. I’ll explain so that there’s no doubt. I think and have always thought that Cristiano Ronaldo was, regardless of the difficulty of the comparisons that can be made, I think he was perhaps the most complete player ever, in all aspects.”
“Now, it’s sad to reach the age of 37 and have a contract with a club that is not just any club, we’re talking about Manchester United, who were the club that launched him in the top circle of world football. It’s good not to forget, and Cristiano should not forget either. And listening to news after news that his agent is trying to put him up and offer him to clubs and those clubs all say no.”
More interesting words can be found from newspaper Record, where Rui Calafate has a column about several subjects, with Cristiano Ronaldo among them. There he calls the player’s situation ‘depressing’ as long as he continues to try to leave Manchester United.
“A week before the start of the league, the test matches of the big three still show some normal shortcomings when experimenting and consolidating ideas and concepts. The biggest unknown in the summer market warms the Lions’ imagination, because while Cristiano Ronaldo does not land definitively in a club – it has been depressing and the biggest reputation damage to his brilliant career, this show of being rejected – Alvalade will never be a forbidden destination.”
