Manchester United forward, Cristiano Ronaldo has asked the club to let him leave should they receive a satisfactory offer this summer, Africa Today News, New York has learnt.
According to credible reports, the 37-year-old’s decision is driven by his desire to play in the European Champions League for the remainder of his career.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has featured in Europe’s top-tier club competition for the last 19 consecutive seasons since he left Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
The Portugal captain has made 183 appearances in the Champions League, scoring 140 goals and providing 42 assists.
Ronaldo has never played in the Europa League, in which the Red Devils will feature this season, after they could only finish sixth in the Premier League.
According to Ronaldo, he has “three or four years” left at the highest level.
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In recent weeks, the player has been linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich although nothing tangible is on ground.
United finished sixth in the Premier League so missed out on Champions League qualification.
That means Ronaldo, who has a year left on his United contract plus an optional year, faces playing in the Europa League for the first time.
It is not something he is viewing with relish and the five-time Ballon d’Or winner feels there could be more attractive options available to him at this stage in his career.
The former Real Madrid forward is anxious to stress he respects United but as he enters the final stages of his career, he wants to compete for the biggest prizes.
It is understood United do not regard Ronaldo as a player who is for sale.
While it would be a blow to United’s prestige if they were to lose one of the greatest players they have ever had, it would also solve a few issues for new manager Erik ten Hag.
Ronaldo clashed with Harry Maguire over the United captaincy last season, while interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s desire to implement a pressing game was thwarted by Ronaldo’s refusal to fit in with such a system.
Although Ten Hag has said how much he is looking forward to linking up with Ronaldo, it is not clear how the forward’s playing style would fit in with the Dutchman.