When football games in Europe were suspended back in March, reports from Italy suggested that Juventus could sell Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer due to financial difficulties. Immediately, the rumors swirled that the Portuguese superstar is set to rejoin his old club, possibly picking between Manchester United and Real Madrid. But none of the two is on the radar of Ronaldo.
According to the Juventus star's former teammate, Nani, the MLS in the United States could be where the striker is headed next. It's a possibility but the transfer happening soon seemed remote. For one, Turin is no longer discussing the sale of the club's superstar so witnessing a jump in the summer should not be in the cards anymore.
Also, Ronaldo is tied with the Italian giants until 2022 so it's still a long wait before a change of setting for the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Notwithstanding, Nani, who played with the Portugal international at Old Trafford, is insisting there is a window open for his old teammate to join him in America. The 33-year-old is now part of Orlando City and he claimed that his compatriot once revealed a desire to play in the U.S.
"A couple of years ago, he told me that he will probably end up in America," Metro reported Nani as saying, citing the player's interview with ESPN.
He conceded though that Ronaldo bringing his game to the other side of the Atlantic is not as sure as he wanted it to be. But Nani is convinced there is a part of the football superstar that consider MLS as his next stop, and likely where he will be playing his last games.
The MLS is on its 25th year and Nani claimed that things are on the upswing and "you see every season improving."
If the former Real star will do a cross over, David Beckham will only be too happy to line up for Ronaldo's signature. The Red Devils legend is now a co-owner of Inter Miami and did not hide a desire to make the Portuguese a part of his roster.
Beckham also suggested that the pairing of Ronaldo with Lionel Messi, deemed unlikely to happen in Europe, could be made possible at the MLS. The former England captain said, if there is an opportunity for the dreamed tandem, he would make it happen in Miami.
Meanwhile, the Juventus striker is back in action in Italy but the return proved disappointing as the Old Lady suffered defeat at the hands of Napoli on Wednesday. The setback resulted in Napoli winning the Coppa Italia.
Goal said Maurizio Sarri blamed the loss on Ronaldo and key Juve stars lacking the fitness to play competitively.
"He is lacking the sharpness to do what works best for him," the Juventus said of Ronaldo's performance in the game, which saw the Italians unable to score in the last two games.
