Cristiano Ronaldo mother hints at Manchester United exit next year

Cristiano Ronaldo's mother Dolores Aveiro has revealed that she is keen for the forward to leave Manchester United for Sporting Lisbon next summer.

Throughout the summer transfer window, Ronaldo was heavily linked with a departure from Old Trafford as he bid to continue his career in the Champions League.

However, as well as United never being open to an exit for the legendary Portuguese, no clubs were persistent when it came to getting a deal over the line.

The 37-year-old has subsequently remained at the Theatre of Dreams, continuing to play second fiddle after missing the majority of pre-season due to personal reasons.

Ronaldo has made just one start and five substitute appearances in the Premier League, instead being reliant on two outings in Erik ten Hag's first XI in the Europa League.

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The ongoing stance seemingly makes it more likely that the two parties will go their separate ways at some point during 2023.

Speaking to Nova Genta, Aveiro has acknowledged that she would prefer her son to return to Sporting, where he started his professional career before joining United back in 2003.

Aveiro said: "If (a return to Sporting) can happen, but not right now. This was not the year for it, but next year it might be. This year or next year this will happen, God willing! I have already explained to him: 'Son, before I die I want to see him in the Sporting shirt once again'.

"If Ronaldo doesn't come, his son, Cristianinho, will come. That is his destiny. At his age, he is playing better than his father! Cristiano's successor is Cristianinho. He has already said he wanted to live in Lisbon and play for Sporting, if they both went – it would be my dream."

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During the summer, clubs such as Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Napoli appeared most likely to move for Ronaldo before they failed to back up any initial interest.

Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also monitoring the situation with the president of Al-Hilal claiming earlier this week that discussions had been held over a transfer.

United possess the option of extending Ronaldo's terms by a further 12 months, although that move appears unlikely if the two parties are not in agreement.

Despite his lack of game time for United, the veteran played 90 minutes in each of Portugal's two fixtures during the recent international break.

In total, Ronaldo has now started four matches since September 8, increasing his chances of deputising for Marcus Rashford, if required, for the Manchester derby on Sunday.