Apparently, Carlo Ancelotti is the reason Cristiano Ronaldo turned down the opportunity to make a deal with Real Madrid.
Ronaldo quit Manchester United in January to join Al-Nassr after a contentious interview with Piers Morgan in which he disparaged various aspects of Manchester United.
The 38-year-old was thinking about returning to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he amassed 450 goals in 438 games to break the club goal scoring record.
Ronaldo’s desired return to Spain, however, did not occur because Ancelotti preferred to stick with Karim Benzema as his lone striker, according to Spanish newspaper El Nacional.
Considering the strong relationship the five-time Ballon d’Or winner had with the Italian manager between 2013 and 2015, the Portuguese considered it a betrayal, according to the report.
Ronaldo went on to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr as a free agent and has since scored nine goals and provided two assists in 10 matches for the club.
Perez says no to Ronaldo
Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also ruled out a move to sign Ronaldo.
When asked by fans if he plans to make a bid for the legendary forward, whose contract was ripped apart at Old Trafford, Perez replied: “Sign Cristiano? Again? He’s 38 years old”, getting the age of the striker wrong.
Ronaldo’s sister slams Perez
Sports Brief also reported that Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister has slammed Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for laughing at the possibility of bringing him back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
After the UEFA Super Cup game between Real Madrid and Frankfurt in Helsinki, Perez was asked by a fan about a potential return for the 37-year-old.