Jose Mourinho has greenlit Ronaldo’s arrival at Manchester United
Manchester United hierarchy seems to have convinced Jose Mourinho to allow Cristiano Ronaldo’s homecoming. The pair had some differences during their spell together with Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. Apparently, time seems to have improved their relationship. Mourinho was invited to Ronaldo’s film’s premiere in London and speaking about the player, he recently said, “I’ve got great memories of him…”
Now, the Red Devils have begun their “bring Ronaldo home” plan according to Spanish TV channel La Sexta. Notably, Ronaldo has been unsettled at Real Madrid over the past few months. Wage issues are being sighted as the reason for the same. Now, Manchester United are willing to go through with an outlay of €400 million to bring Ronaldo back home.
Two thirds of Real Madrid fans believe the time has come for Cristiano Ronaldo to leave the club.
More than 125,000 fans voted in the poll, conducted by AS: https://t.co/syyet79nie pic.twitter.com/dSj6Ih79Nw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 18, 2018
This is certain to appease Real Madrid fans who do not approve of the Portuguese any longer. In a poll recently conducted by Spanish website AS, 67.5% of total voters wanted to see Ronaldo leave Real. This is the same man who has lead them to 3 Champions League titles, 2 La Liga titles, 2 Copa Del Reys and 3 Club World Cups. But the last six months have seen his approval ratings take a nose dive. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career has run its course in the Spanish capital according to the fans.
Economics of Ronaldo’s speculated mega-money move
Manchester United is the most valuable club in the world. However, the money being talked about is frankly ludicrous. But apparently, United officials feel that the move is viable and Ronaldo’s arrival will offset the expenditure. The marketing potential and media impact of the Portuguese is expected to generate new streams of revenue for the Red Devils. Interestingly, Manchester United are the biggest earners in Deloitte’s money league.
https://twitter.com/utdxtra/status/953641257603133440
The record English Champions expect a total outlay of €400 million, with €200 million going straight into Madrid’s account as a transfer fee. The rest will be spent on Ronaldo’s extravagant wages which have been the point of contention between him and Real President Florentino Perez. The 32-year-old feels he should be paid according to his ‘best in the world’ status. However, he is not even among the top 5 earners in football with both Neymar and Lionel Messi earning more than him.
Author’s Take
Cristiano’s return to United makes very little sense. However, it is clear that he is no longer loved at the Santiago Bernabeu. That coupled with the wage issues does seem like the Portuguese is on his way out of the club. While he is a great player, he must realise that he is on the decline. He should adjust his expectations accordingly.
