Manchester United fans’ optimism at reuniting with Cristiano Ronaldo is at an all-time high after recent reports that Real Madrid would sell their former superstar back in an £80 million transfer, but star midfielder Juan Mata is not nearly as convinced that such a move could happen.
In an interview with ESPN FC, Mata expressed serious doubts that a move for Ronaldo could happen. Mata believes that Ronaldo is happy at Real Madrid and called him a difference-maker.
“I think it’s difficult for that to happen, in truth,” Mata said. “The respect and admiration that the people have for Cristiano (here) is incredible.
“You see it at the training ground, at the stadium, with so many photos of when he won all those titles there and did so well on a personal level as well.
“But it’s complicated with him at a club like Real Madrid and happy there, which I think he is. He is a player who makes the difference in any league, obviously. But as it’s very complicated at the moment, I prefer to focus on the players who are here, on playing well and achieving the club’s objectives.”
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Ronaldo played for Man United under Sir Alex Ferguson from 2003 to 2009, capturing three straight Premier League titles along with another six trophies and numerous individual accolades, including the 2008 Ballon d’Or.
In 2009 Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid for £80 million – the largest transfer fee in history until the mark was broken for Gareth Bale a few years later.
Ironically, Real Madrid’s acquisition of Gareth Bale is believed to have opened up the La Liga giants to moving Ronaldo with the intention of making Bale their primary star.