Chelsea 'decide against move for Cristiano Ronaldo'

Chelsea are reportedly not interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo on a free transfer.

The 37-year-old was released by Manchester United earlier this week, with the club being forced to act following the controversial interview that the forward gave to Piers Morgan.

During the discussion on TalkTV, the Portugal international slammed the 20-time English champions, including their owners and current head coach Erik ten Hag.

Ronaldo has lost out on around £16m in wages following his exit from Man United, as his contract with the club was due to run until next June.

The forward is currently focusing on the 2022 World Cup, but he will be looking for a new club for the second half of the 2022-23 campaign, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding a potential switch to Chelsea.

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The Blues were linked with his services over the summer, with new owner and chairman Todd Boehly said to be determined to sign the former Sporting Lisbon youngster.

However, Thomas Tuchel, who was Chelsea's manager at the time, is believed to have rejected the chance to bring the Portuguese to Stamford Bridge.

There have been suggestions that the capital giants could now move for Ronaldo due to his availability on a free transfer, but a source told The Sun that the club have "gone cold on him".

"Following talks with Manchester United, we've mutually agreed to end our contract. I love Manchester United and I love the fans, that will never ever change," Ronaldo said in a statement after his exit was confirmed.

"It feels like the right time to seek a new challenge. I wish Man Utd all the best."

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Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the forward, although a recent report claimed that the Magpies are also not planning to move for him in January.

Should Ronaldo make the move to a Premier League club, he would be forced to serve a two-game suspension, having been hit with the ban by the Football Association for his conduct following Man United's 1-0 loss to Everton last April.

While walking down the tunnel at Goodison Park, Ronaldo knocked a fan's mobile phone to the ground when it was thrust towards him, which has seen him receive a two-game ban and a fine of £50,000.

Sporting Lisbon are currently considered to be the favourites to re-sign their former youngster, while Bayern Munich, Roma and Napoli have also been credited with an interest.