A STRING of clubs reportedly rejected the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo last summer.
That’s despite the misfit offering himself out for just £80,000-a-week – £400k less than what he was earning at Manchester United.
Ronaldo, 37, finds himself without a club after having his Red Devils contract terminated last month.
The Portuguese veteran – left on the bench again for today’s World Cup quarter-final against Morocco – became a pariah by blasting United and boss Erik ten Hag in an explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
But the Athletic claims Ronaldo was already desperate to leave Old Trafford months earlier.
It’s claimed he made a big push to quit United after their shock 4-0 defeat at Brentford.
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And Ten Hag was more than happy for Ronnie to move on, despite his mammoth £480k-a-week wages.
As a result, United told Ronaldo they would cover the majority of his salary for the remainder of the season.
And any new club needed to pay just £80k each week for Ronnie’s services.
Numerous clubs were contact by his representatives, including super-agent Jorge Mendes.
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But there was ZERO takers for Ronaldo, mainly due to concerns over his suitability.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich were strongly linked with the hitman before deciding against moves.
And with 2023 on the horizon, Ronaldo still finds himself struggling for attention.
The only concrete offer he has so far received is from Saudi Arabia, with Al Nassr reportedly prepared to pay the striker £173m per YEAR.
Ronaldo hopes that a good showing with Portugal at the World Cup will increase his chances of joining a Champions League side.
But even international boss Fernando Santos has grown impatient, dropping Ronnie from the 6-1 win over Switzerland.
And after being ditched from the starting XI against Morocco, he’ll need a late surge to attract any more suitors in January.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
