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21st September 2021
04:08pm BST
Carrusel Deportivo, via Sport, have reported that Atletico were contacted about the possibility of a deal in August, after Ronaldo's representative - who conducts business with the current La Liga champions on a consistent basis - was seemingly keen to move forward with constructing a deal.
However, considering the fact that Juventus were initially reluctant to let Ronaldo leave Turin, and that Atletico would've most likely been unable to match the forward's wage demands, negations would have proved difficult. [caption id="attachment_290007" align="alignnone" width="2048"]
Cristiano Ronaldo spent nine years in Spain with Real Madrid. (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)[/caption]
Not only would it have been finically difficult to secure a move for the leading international goalscorer, but the report also suggests that the 'Colchoneros' hierarchy were concerned about the potential backlash from their supporters given Ronaldo's history with Real Madrid.
Therefore, after being informed that negations would have to commence before August 15, Atletico decided against pursuing a deal, with manager Diego Simeone instead focusing on securing a return for Antoine Griezmann.
Simeone evidently got what he wanted as the Frenchman did indeed make his return to the Wanda Metropolitano, which was made possible after midfielder Saul Niguez joined Chelsea.
With Atletico out of the picture, and Ronaldo officially confirming that he wanted to leave Juventus, a late battle to secure his signature between Manchester United and Manchester City had seemingly begun.
It initially looked as though the Portuguese star would be making the controversial move to City, before they removed themselves from contention, stating that they were never serious about signing him.
This therefore allowed Ronaldo to secure a sensational return to Old Trafford, 12 years after leaving the club to join Real Madrid.Related links:
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