Cristiano Ronaldo's high-profile return to Manchester United has ended in acrimony, with the pair parting ways following his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese striker for Manchester United, watches the English Premier League football match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England. - Manchester United announced on November 18, 2022 that the club had "initiated appropriate steps" in response to Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview, which cast doubt on his future at Old Trafford.Following his shocking interview with Piers Morgan, Cristiano Ronaldo has left Manchester United with immediate effect.
Ronaldo slammed United in his candid interview, prompting the pair to part ways just days before the 2022 World Cup. The fallout from the interview has created a schism between the two parties that has proven difficult to bridge.
Football fans have already begun to speculate on where the 37-year-old might end up next. The Daily Star Sport looks at five potential destinations for Ronaldo, ranging from a triumphant return to a boyhood club to one final shot at glory.
Chelsea
Todd Boehly, Chelsea owner, during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 22, 2022 in London.Chelsea emerged as a surprise destination for the superstar over the summer, with Todd Boehly looking for a vanity signing for his new project in London.
According to reports, Thomas Tuchel turned down the Portuguese megastar. Tuchel has since been fired by Chelsea and replaced by Englishman Graham Potter, who may accept Ronaldo into his fold.
Chelsea is one of the few clubs that can afford Ronaldo's exorbitant wages, with the 367-year-old rejecting a £500,000-per-week deal at Old Trafford.
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Lisbon Sporting
Ronaldo could return to his childhood club, Sporting Lisbon, in a move motivated by love rather than money.
Ronaldo, then a skinny tricky winger with blonde highlights in his hair, left Sporting in 2003 after stunning Sir Alex Ferguson in a pre-season friendly. As a result, Ronaldo has only made 25 competitive appearances in Portugal.
Sporting, like Chelsea, were interested in signing Ronaldo over the summer, and they could offer the 37-year-old Champions League football - but they have since been kicked out of Europe's top competition.
Newcastle United
The nouveau riche Newcastle has more than enough money to entice the 37-year-old up north.
Newcastle could be an appealing option for Ronaldo as well, as he would not have to relocate his family. There's an ambitious project at St James' Park, and, whisper it quietly, maybe Champions League football next season.
Eddie Howe, who has built a strong squad with smart signings, may be the man to veto the move.
PSG
Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Neymar will play together in a move straight out of a fantasy novel, assuming Kylian Mbappe leaves at the end of the season.
PSG, like Newcastle and Chelsea, can afford to entice Ronaldo to Ligue 1, and Paris itself is a desirable destination. The most enticing prospect, however, would be for Ronaldo and Messi to lead the line together.
Does that make sense? No. Will it work? Maybe. Would it be breathtaking to witness? Absolutely.
MLS
If Ronaldo were to leave Europe, a move to America would be preferable to a trip to the Middle East.
In the twilight of their careers, many stars have crossed the Atlantic for one last hurrah. Inter Miami had emerged as a summer option for David Beckham, and Messi has also been linked with the club, keeping that dream alive.
Wayne Rooney's DC United is unlikely to be an option if he decides to travel to the United States.
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