Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United: Transfer not for TWO years, claims influential Spanish journalist
Guillem Balague says Real Madrid have no intention of selling next summer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Cristiano Ronaldo will not return to Manchester United for another two years, according to Spanish journalist Guillem Balague.
The Real Madrid forward has found himself perpetually linked with a return to Old Trafford for the last couple of months and the saga could be set to continue for quite some time yet.
Ronaldo has indicated that "one day" he would like to return to the club at which he spent six-years and won the Champions League, whilst United manager Louis van Gaal has said that he would be keen to bring Ronaldo back to the club, claiming that a deal "is possible".
The hysteria over a possible transfer led a Manchester United supporters' group to organise a plane to fly over Real Madrid's victory at the weekend, towing a banner that read 'COME HOME RONALDO'.
Yet according to Balague, Real Madrid will not allow Ronaldo to leave any time soon.
"It is quite clear that Manchester United are letting all this continue because they are interested in Cristiano Ronaldo," he told Sky Sports.
"Ronaldo dreams and would like to go back to Manchester United. It's just the timing which I think people are getting wrong.
"People want this to happen in January, if possible. It's not going to happen.
"In the summer? I don’t think it's going to happen. Real Madrid have got no intention whatsoever of selling Cristiano Ronaldo next summer."
Balague predicted: "In two years' time I would say yes, that is possibly the time when he will be 31 going on 32, for Real Madrid to say: 'OK, if we can cash in on him, brilliant. He has done a lot for us, but that's it, time to move on'.
!I don’t think it’s going to happen this summer. People will have to be a little bit more patient."
Manchester United have first choice on Ronaldo should Real Madrid opt to sell him.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments