Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly identified Chelsea as his preferred option in the Premier League should he leave Los Blancos at the end of the season. Speculation continues to rage over the future of the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner, who is understood to be unhappy in the Spanish capital due to Madrid’s struggles on the field this season as well as matters off the pitch.
The 32-year-old was determined to leave the Bernabeu in the summer after being accused of tax evasion by the authorities. Reports claim that Ronaldo wants to join Chelsea instead of Manchester United, with whom the Portuguese star spent six years before joining Madrid in 2009.
Spanish publication Don Balon reports that Chelsea have surprisingly emerged as the 32-year-old’s preferred destination.
Ronaldo is understood to be keen on the idea of a switch back to the Premier League, while the Blues would also be interested in bringing the ex-United winger to Stamford Bridge due to the uncertain nature of Eden Hazard’s future at the club. Should Hazard go, it will leave Blues boss Antonio Conte short of a world-class star.
The report adds that Chelsea want Ronaldo and could even use Hazard as a bait to bring the Portugal international back to England. The forward remains aware that United are not interested in an emotional Old Trafford return, while manager Jose Mourinho fell out with the player during his time at Real and their rocky relationship further complicates matters.
Real’s tricky relationship with the Red Devils, owing to the David de Gea saga nearly three years ago also means that the chances of a transfer are far-off. This news would come as a massive surprise for the Chelsea fans. However, after Express too reported the news, this is how the Twitterati reacted to the speculation.
Don’t get us involved in this, I think we’ll just stick with Mahrez thanks
— Omar (@OmarR814) January 9, 2018
fuck, we don’t need this rubbish news. We don’t need him
— All About Chelsea FC (@fred10_cfc) January 9, 2018
Well, if he loses the “highest paid” attitude and is reasonably priced, dude is best in world and by his fitness bet he could play 4 years.
— 30A Blues🌴⚽️ (@30ABlues) January 9, 2018
I take him. We need a striker
— Akbar F Malik (@afmalik_) January 9, 2018
Great player and I believe he has a good 6 seasons left in him
— Viva Espana (@PartonSide) January 8, 2018
Don Balon is literally the most unreliable garbage source out there. Aside from that Ronaldo would never move to Chelsea and our board will never in their wildest dreams spend over £100mill on a 33 year old…
— ChelseaDaily (@Chelsea20126) January 8, 2018
— Sir Ksk (@KskJr) January 8, 2018
first Benteke, then Carrol and now this? Why are Chelsea always linked with average players?
— Elvander Success (@Nana_Elvander) January 8, 2018
Can he play lwb??
— Le roi👑 (@super_mickyy) January 8, 2018
Yes please
— Conte’s Blue Army (@captainhank14) January 8, 2018
Great, let’s spend 200mil on a declining 32yr old
— Nick (@BelgianMagic) January 8, 2018
— ᴢʜᴀsᴋ (@Zhask4) January 8, 2018
