Cristiano Ronaldo returns to training, reportedly still wants to leave Manchester United

TalkSport transfer journalist Alex Crook did not dance around the issue during a Wednesday radio appearance when he bluntly said that "nobody" among the biggest clubs in Europe wants to sign superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly wishes to leave Manchester United this summer so he can play in the upcoming season's UEFA Champions League competition. 

It appears Crook's words have not deterred Ronaldo ahead of August. 

Ronaldo did not travel with United for their preseason tour of Thailand and Australia but returned to the club's training ground on Tuesday, along with agent Jorge Mendes, for crash talks with manager Erik ten Hag about the future. Per a Sky Sports News update, CR7 still wants to leave Old Trafford following those discussions but has started training with the United squad. 

Ten Hag has repeatedly insisted Ronaldo is not for sale and is in his plans for the 2022-23 campaign. As for would-be buyers, Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn and Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo have publicly said their clubs would not be acquiring the five-time Ballon d'Or winner during the open transfer window. Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Napoli are other sides that reportedly rejected chances to sign Ronaldo this month. 

United begin the Premier League season versus Brighton & Hove Albion on Aug. 7. It is unclear if Ronaldo would go on "strike" and refuse to feature in that contest if he's still with United at that time.