A-League boss Danny Townsend has confirmed they are looking into bringing football icon Cristiano Ronaldo to Australia.
With speculation running rampant over Ronaldo’s future, it looks as if Australian football is putting its hand up for the football legend’s next destination.
It comes after the current Manchester United player made headlines with an interview with Piers Morgan in which he slammed his current club and coach Erik ten Hag.
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He claimed he felt ‘betrayed’ by the Manchester side and believed many of the players lacked the drive to become better players.
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While his attention may have now turned to the World Cup in Qatar, it’s almost certain that the number seven will likely be on his way out in the January transfer window.
And while Ronaldo has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, PSG, and a return to Juventus, the A-League has also thrown their name into the hat.
Australian Professional Leagues chief Danny Townsend told News Corp, via Fox Sports, that an offer had been submitted to Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes.
He said: “He (Ronaldo) said he wasn‘t getting any love and respect at Manchester United but we’ll certainly give him plenty of love and respect in Australia.
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“We might not be able to compete financially with other offers but we can compete in other ways.”
It would easily signal the biggest acquisition in A-League history.
And while the former Real Madrid star didn’t travel with United to Australia during their pre-season camp, he does have a connection to Down Under.
His grandparents currently live in Western Australia, so perhaps Perth Glory could be eyeing their new starman.
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Meanwhile, his former United and Portuguese teammate United and Portuguese Nani joined Melbourne Victory this season, so the A-League may look to him to get in Ronaldo’s ear.
In a radio interview on SportsFM 91.3, Townsend confirmed the A-Leagues had ‘registered our interest in bringing him to Australia’.
He said: “Obviously it‘s a longshot but we’ve certainly got a compelling proposition for him here in Australia to consider, so we’re in dialogue and we’ll see where that goes.”
Ronaldo confirmed his retirement plans in the interview with Piers, saying: “I want to play two years more, three years more. So two or three years maximum. I want to finish with 40. I think 40, will be a good age… But I don't know, I don't know the future.
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"Sometimes you plan one thing for your life and as I told many times, the life is dynamic. And you never know what's going to happen.”
While Australia may be a dark horse for Ronaldo’s next football tenure, one thing for sure, he’s most definitely on his way out of United.
The club has already removed a mural containing the Portuguese star from outside Old Trafford following his interview with Morgan.
Two years in the Aussie sun might sound nice for CR7.
Featured Image Credit: Sportimage / Alamy. Bella Falk / Alamy.Topics: Football, A League, Australia, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United