Ronaldo enjoyed United spell, keen on MLS
Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has said he has “amazing memories” of Manchester United and confirmed he would like to play in the United States before the end of his career.
Ronaldo, 30, is under contract at Madrid until 2018 but last week suggested to German football magazine kicker that he could leave before then, saying: “You have to do whatever makes you happy.”
He has been strongly linked with Paris Saint-Germain, with captain Thiago Silva talking up a potential bid and Ronaldo seeking out coach Laurent Blanc for a “complimentary” exchange at the end of the teams’ recent meeting.
Ronaldo, though, said he is keeping his options open, telling FHM: “I’m not shutting the door on any league or on any place.”
His close friend Jose Semedo — a former teammate at Sporting Lisbon — recently said Ronaldo wanted to play in England again at some stage, and the forward has said he enjoyed his time at United.
He has been linked with a return for some time, with Patrice Evra claiming Ronaldo was on the verge of a move back to Old Trafford prior to Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Ronaldo won three Premier League titles, Champions League and the FA Cup with United, as well as the 2008 Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
“There I was treated in the same way as a son is treated by a father,” Ronaldo said. “I had some incredible moments. I’m still in touch with [Rio] Ferdinand, Nani, Anderson, [Nemanja] Vidic, Evra … and with [Ryan] Giggs, who is now the assistant manager. I have some amazing memories.”
He praised Premier League fans, saying: “They are incredible. For me, they are some of the best in the world. They are polite, they respect you, they motivate you and they cheer you on. I love them.”
He also confirmed that he would like to experience Major League Soccer before he retires.
“I’m definitely thinking about playing in the USA for a year,” he said. “I’ve always said living and playing there is a possibility.”
Despite Ronaldo’s comments, his agent, Jorge Mendes, has said he expects Ronaldo to end his career at the Bernabeu.
“There’s a lot of speculation and every day you’ll have a new story, but if you ask me he’ll finish his career with Real Madrid and will stay here for many years,” Mendes told Sky Sports.
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