Diego Simeone has said he cannot see Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo ever representing Atletico Madrid, describing the 37-year-old as an “absolute benchmark” for Atleti’s city rivals Real Madrid.
The Atletico Madrid manager has faced repeated questioning over the possibility of Ronaldo making a shock return to Spanish football, and the Manchester United forward’s future is again set to make headlines with the winter transfer window approaching.
Diego Simeone: Real Madrid Benchmark Cristiano Ronaldo Will Not Sign for Atletico Madrid
Ronaldo’s Real Madrid Links Make Atletico Switch Unimaginable
Cristiano Ronaldo was angling for a move away from Old Trafford throughout the summer transfer window after Manchester United failed to qualify for this season’s Champions League.
Speculation linking the Portugal captain with a stunning move to Atletico Madrid despite the forward’s historic stint in Real Madrid colours – during which time he became the club’s all-time record goalscorer – have never fully dissipated, and Simone has again moved to quash any possibility of his side signing Ronaldo.
Simeone said: “Cristiano Ronaldo for Atleti? Ronaldo is an absolute benchmark for Real Madrid. I wouldn’t see Martin Palermo or Riquelme playing in River Plate or Ortega in Boca Juniors. That is very clear.”
Ronaldo Looking to Build on Form Having Hit 700 Club Goals
Having failed to get his wish of a summer exit, Ronaldo has started the current campaign on the bench for Manchester United, but is now focused on building form and fitness going into the fast-approaching World Cup in Qatar.
Ronaldo brought up an historic 700 goals in club football when scoring the winner against Everton last weekend, 20 years and two days after scoring his first club goal.
The striker has maintained the backing of United boss Erik ten Hag despite his unhappiness at remaining at Old Trafford going into this season. Both player and manager will be hoping Ronaldo can contribute more goals to his team until at least the January window.
