CRISTIANO RONALDO has been linked with an incredible – almost unbelievable – return to Manchester United.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner became a superstar under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson after joining in 2003.
Could Ronaldo do the unthinkable and return to Man Utd?Credit: Getty Images – Getty
And the temptation to close out his career at the club and in the league that made him a global icon would be hard to resist.
But what other factors could make the current Juventus star go back?
Here, SunSport looks at five reasons why Ronaldo could return.
Trouble at Juventus
Ronaldo and Old Lady boss Maurizio Sarri have both tried to pour water over their quick-fire barrage of bust-ups.
But it’s clear there is tension there.
First, Sarri hooked Ronaldo off in the Champions League clash against Lokomotiv Moscow and the star forward stormed past his manager on the touchline.
Then he left the stadium before full-time after being taken off 55 minutes into a Serie A game against AC Milan.
If things do not improve when players return after the international break, then it could put an unbearable strain on their relationship.
Ties to Fergie
Ronaldo still calls legendary Sir Alex “boss”.
And when Juventus came to Old Trafford last year for their Champions League fixture, the prodigy sought out his mentor for a photo.
Ronaldo posted a snap of them together with the caption: “A great coach and above all a wonderful man.
“Taught me so many things inside and outside the pitch.
“Great to see you in good shape, Boss!”
Adored by fans
Yes, he might be an egomaniac. Yes, he does tend to make it all about him.
But Ronaldo’s goal and trophy record at all the clubs he has played for shows he is always worth being indulged.
Real Madrid and Juve fans might think differently.
Both have booed him and subjected him to abuse – with the man himself giving it back as well.
But when Ronaldo returned last year the Red Army roared “Viva Ronaldo” in a sign of true appreciation.
Expensive – but worth it
Juventus have seen the commercial and financial impact of signing Ronaldo.
SunSport told you last month how the ex-Sporting Lisbon man had given the club a £51million revenue boost and brought in an extra 40m fans – all by himself.
And a year after completing his £99m deal, Juve saw their total operating revenue jump 16 per cent to £397m.
Their matchday and commercial revenue were boosted a combined 55 per cent too, according to accounting firm KPMG.
Oh yeah, and Man Utd’s debt just soared by £137m. Handy timing.
Ronaldo’s worth to Juventus is clearCredit: KPMG
To prove he can still cut it in the best league in the world
With Jose Mourinho back in town after getting the Spurs job, the Premier League still boasts the guys widely considered the three best managers in the world today.
Jurgen Klopp led Liverpool to Champions League glory last season.
Cristiano Ronaldo ‘secretly marries’ Georgina Rodriguez in low-key Morocco ceremony
Pep Guardiola has created a goalscoring machine at Manchester City.
It is Ronaldo’s old club Man Utd who have been cast aside, struggling to adapt to the post-Fergie landscape.
Aside from winning the World Cup with Portugal, would the ageing superstar cherish anything quite as much as restoring United to their former glory?
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
