5 Possible Destinations for Cristiano Ronaldo This Summer After Ballon d'Or Winner Sparks Exit Talk
Mere moments after winning his fourth Champions League in five years with Real Madrid, Cristiano Ronaldo appeared to suggest that his time with the Spanish giants could well be up.
The 33-year-old said: "It was very nice to be at Real Madrid. In the next few days I will speak. I am going to enjoy this with my team-mates and in the next few days I'll give an answer."
Although we have all become well accustomed to Ronaldo hinting at end of season departures in order to secure improved contract terms, the timing of these comments has put many on red alert.
So, if the Portuguese superstar were to actually leave Los Blancos this summer, where could he end up? Lets take a look at some possible options...
5. Sporting CP
Just as Lionel Messi has spoken of his desire to return to Newell's Old Boys, Ronaldo has made no secret of his desire to end his career with his boyhood club.
The forward moved away from Sporting CP in 2003 after famously impressing Manchester United in a pre-season friendly in the summer. He moved to Old Trafford that summer for £12.24m.
World superstardom and a transfer to Real Madrid followed and any move from the Spanish giants back to Sporting would rely on the 33-year-old taking a huge pay cut.
With most presuming his latest issues with Madrid hinge on contractual demands, a return home seems incredibly unlikely just yet.
4. Major League Soccer
A move to Major League Soccer (MLS) could be more realistic for Ronaldo, with a number of clubs looking for a star man.
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic's recent move to LA Galaxy, it would be interesting to see Ronaldo become the flagship signing of LA rivals Los Angeles FC.
Money would be less of a problem than with Sporting CP, as MLS teams have space for a 'designated player' who, according to MLS rules, isn't bound to the salary cap.
The west coast lifestyle would likely suit Ronaldo and would give him the opportunity to further enhance his brand by entering the US market.
However, any chance of winning another Ballon d'Or would disappear somewhere over the Atlantic. For a player so competitive, it is hard to imagine Ronaldo, still hungry for more success and a place as the best in history, moving to a league where he takes himself out of the international spotlight.
3. Chinese Super League
Ronaldo would not be short of offers from China if he were to seek a move away from Real Madrid. It would not be implausible to suggest he could fetch up to £1m-a-week in the Far East and again he could build upon his brand, exploiting the Asian market.
The Real Madrid forward is known to be motivated by money and China would be an obvious choice in this case. However, the negatives are the same as that in America.
There is also the fact that Ronaldo has three years remaining on his current contract, meaning that Real Madrid could demand a hefty fee for the forward. This could provide a stumbling block for Chinese sides, following the government-controlled football association's move to bring in a 100% tax on transfers.
2. Manchester United
Manchester United would no doubt be keen on a reunion with Ronaldo and with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward's current Galactico-style transfer policy any potential move should not be ruled out.
Jose Mourinho has rued Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial's lack of ability to step into the number nine role in Romelu Lukaku's absence and with the former wide man now taking up a more central role for Madrid, Ronaldo would be the perfect candidate.
Money may not be a issue for United, but Mourinho's relationship with Ronaldo could prove a problem. The two fell out towards the end of the coach's spell at Real Madrid
1. Paris Saint-Germain
PSG have long been admirers of Ronaldo and have held a number of secret meetings with the player over potential moves to the Parc des Princes in the past.
The Qatari-backed club would jump at the chance to sign Ronaldo and with Neymar causing more bad than good since arriving at the club a potential swap deal could become a possibility.
Neymar has also been linked to a move to Real Madrid and the potential swap could serve both sides, Real Madrid will be desperate to make a Galactico signing this summer and there would be not better replacement for Ronaldo than Neymar.
PSG in return would get a player fresh off the back of three consecutive Champions League wins and could help lead the French side to the European triumph they so crave. A move would also satisfy his premier sponsors Nike, whom manufacture PSG’s kit and for which he has a lifetime deal with.