Nani urges Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Manchester United, but his old team mate Nani has tried to convince the Portuguese superstar to stay at Old Trafford.
Nani hopes that Manchester United will do all they can to ensure Cristiano Ronaldo stays at the club amid speculation linking him with a move away. Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly asked to leave Old Trafford in the current transfer window. Chelsea had initially been rumoured to be among the early frontrunners for his signature before they signed Raheem Sterling from City and denied any interest in the 37-year-old.
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Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly was said to have held talks with the Portugal captain before the American and Blues manager Thomas Tüchel opted to resist the temptation to launch a bid. Bayern Munich, who have lost talisman Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona, were another side linked with Ronaldo, but Julian Nagelsmann and chief executive Oliver Kahn were quick to rule out a move.
Erik ten Hag has repeatedly insisted Ronaldo is not available for transfer, though, with the new United coach making it clear he wishes to keep the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at the club. While United failed to secure Champions League qualification last season, reportedly a decisive factor in Ronaldo’s dissatisfaction, former Red Devils winger Nani has urged his compatriot to stay with Ten Hag’s side.
“I hope [he stays],” said Nani, who recently signed for Melbourne Victory and played a late cameo in their 4-1 friendly defeat to United on Friday. “He’s an important player and a player who always makes a difference. I hope he’s in a good mood to help the club so hopefully [he’ll stay].”
Personal phonecall
Nani also revealed he had unsuccessfully tried to contact Ronaldo to discuss his future. The United No.7 was away on holiday with his family. “When he’s on vacation he doesn’t answer the phone to anybody,” added Nani, who won four Premier League titles and one Champions League at United. “I tried to talk to him, but he said: ‘I’m so busy now, we’ll talk soon.’”
United will hope to have Ronaldo available to call upon when they begin their Premier League campaign at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on 7 August.