Cristiano Ronaldo looked set to join Premier League champions Manchester City, but instead, ended up reaching a deal with arch-rivals Manchester United.
An Old Trafford legend since his first time at the club, Ronaldo is now expected to pen a two-year contract with United. The Red Devils will pay Juventus a $17.6 million transfer fee plus a possible $9.4 in additional fees.
“Manchester United is delighted to confirm that the club has reached an agreement with Juventus for the transfer of Cristiano Ronaldo, subject to agreement of personal terms, visa and medical,” United’s statement read.
Ronaldo, 36, previously played at Manchester United between 2003 and 2009, leaving for Real Madrid for a then-record transfer fee of $111 million. Ronaldo won his first Ballon d’Or as a Manchester United player in 2008, adding four more during his stay at Real Madrid. He was signed by Juventus in 2018.
24 hours of madness in Turin and Manchester
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, flew by private jet to Turin on Wednesday as rumors linking his client to PSG and Manchester City surfaced. Ronaldo seemed to prefer a transfer to PSG, but the situation changed dramatically and placed City in pole position.
Ronaldo, who asked not to start in Juve’s 2-2 draw against Udinese last Sunday, told those around him that he doesn’t see his future with the Bianconeri. Reports in England and Italy revealed there was an agreement between Ronaldo and Manchester City, with the English club trying to finalize a deal to get him away from Juventus. The names of Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus were used as possible swaps for Ronaldo.
On Friday, the Portuguese star went to Juve’s training center only to tell manager Max Allegri that his mind was set on leaving.
“Cristiano Ronaldo told me that he wants to leave Juventus immediately. It’s true and confirmed,” Allegri told the media. “This is why he wasn’t training today and he’s not available for the game against Empoli.”
