Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly asks for Juventus transfer
Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly asked for a transfer from Juventus, as the Portuguese striker did not start in their Serie A opener Sunday against Udinese.
According to Fabrizio Romano of Sky Sports, Ronaldo requested that Juventus leave him on the bench instead of starting him against Udinese. He reportedly made the request "because he hopes to find a solution on the market in the next days."
Romano adds that Juventus are still convinced Ronaldo will stay as they've received no official bids for him.
Earlier this week, Ronaldo shared his anger about transfer rumors relating to his future, accusing people of being "disrespectful," but not committing to his future with Juventus.
Spanish television show "El Chiringuito" claimed Monday that a return to Real Madrid was in the cards for Ronaldo, but the former Los Blancos star confirmed that he would not return to the club, saying, "My story at Real Madrid has been written."
If Ronaldo does want to move on from Juventus, only a few clubs could currently afford to sign him. Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris-Saint Germain are among them.
A move to Real Madrid is essentially out, as is a move to PSG. It would be financially impossible for the Parisians to take on Ronaldo alongside Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
Manchester City, however, could make a play for the 36-year-old if the club is unable to land Tottenham's Harry Kane before the transfer deadline. Kane wants a move from the Spurs, and City have made an offer, but Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has refused to move the Englishman thus far.
A move to Manchester United also has been speculated because Ronaldo played for the club from 2003-09. United won three Premier League titles with Ronaldo on their roster. He was also named PL Player of the Season twice in his six years with the club.
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