Transfer Centre

Corinthians president reveals desire to sign Cristiano Ronaldo

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 05 August 2022

Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves reveals that he wants to bring Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo to the club.

Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves has revealed that he wants to explore the possibility of bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to the Brazilian club this summer.

The 37-year-old is said to be determined to force a move away from Manchester United before the end of the transfer window despite the club's desire to keep hold of him.

Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Napoli and Sporting Lisbon are among the clubs to be linked with the Portugal international this summer.

However, there is not currently a clear suitor for the striker, with Man United said to be confident of keeping him at Old Trafford for the 2022-23 campaign.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday afternoon, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag said that he is "really happy" to have the Portuguese at the club.

Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo in action against Rayo Vallecano on July 31, 2022 © Reuters

"How do I feel about starting the season with Ronaldo? I'm really happy," the Dutchman told reporters. "I had told you before: we planned with him for the season. We have a top striker and I'm really happy he's here, he's in the squad and we stick to the plan."

However, Ronaldo is said to be unprepared to change his mind over a summer exit, with the forward instructing his agent Jorge Mendes to secure a move before the end of the window.

Corinthians president Alves has now revealed his ambition to bring the former Sporting Lisbon youngster to Brazil, having managed to sign former Chelsea and Arsenal attacker Willian last year.

He told Ulissescast: "It is true that I want to sign Cristiano Ronaldo. I have big dreams... with everything that happens in football, I feel obliged to try for whatever is best for Corinthians.

"I don't know whether we will be able to get him. We haven't yet made an approach or sounded him out. But we are keeping an eye on him. Maybe he will want to come and play in Brazil. I don't see why not."

Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo applauds fans after the match, January 3, 2022 © Reuters

The striker is said to be determined to continue playing in the Champions League this season, though, which could make it difficult for Corinthians to sign him.

Ronaldo missed Man United's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia due to a personal issue, while he was also absent against Atletico Madrid last Saturday.

The forward did play the opening 45 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford, though, and he could now be in line for a start against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday.

Ten Hag had allegedly been planning to name the Portuguese on the bench, but Anthony Martial has been ruled out of the clash with the Seagulls due to a hamstring problem, which could open the door for the club's leading goalscorer from last season to lead the attack against Graham Potter's team.