Cristiano Ronaldo. Sipa USA-USA TODAY Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo misses start of Man United training for family reasons

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/4/22

International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo will not be with Manchester United for Monday's training day "due to family reasons," the club said. Players are returning for training after an extended break before the team begins preseason play in Thailand and Australia.

The timing of Ronaldo's absence is interesting given he has made it clear he wants to leave the club and play elsewhere.

Confirmed. Cristiano Ronaldo to miss return to Manchester United training today “due to family reasons”, club have accepted this explanation. #MUFC

Man United are aware of his desire to leave the club - but insist on their position: not for sale, want to keep him. pic.twitter.com/Tzj40IidtU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 4, 2022

United continues to insist that Ronaldo is not for sale and that they expect him to be on the roster for next season. That hasn't stopped other clubs from showing interest in him, however, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich being top teams rumored to be in the running to land to the 37-year-old.

Chelsea are interested in signing Cristiano Ronaldo and have held talks with his agent Jorge Mendes, reports @David_Ornstein pic.twitter.com/rRJBL3bu7c
— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 4, 2022

Bayern Munich are the bookies' early favourites to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after he asks to leave Manchester United https://t.co/J0nuukvckr
— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) July 4, 2022

Ronaldo scored 24 goals for United last season, 18 in Premier League play and six during UEFA Champions League.

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