Cristiano Ronaldo has shared his thoughts via social media on the Atletico Madrid fans’ banner that says that he is not welcome at their club.
Man United’s No.7 has made it clear that he is looking to play elsewhere in 2022/23. At the heart of Ronaldo’s desire to leave is the need to play Champions League football. The competition’s all-time top scorer wants to play on Europe’s biggest stage. Therefore, he is reaching out for offers from any club.
So far, Bayern Munich ruled out a move, and other teams have gone quiet on a transfer. Following this, Jorge Mendes has suggested an alternative option to Man United. CR7 will sign a contract extension at Old Trafford – provided he can go out on loan to a Champions League side in 2022/23.
One option that has opened up recently is a move to Atletico Madrid. However, there is some opposition to a potential transfer to the other side of Madrid.
Atletico fans unfurl banner in protest
After reports emerged linking Cristiano Ronaldo to Atletico Madrid, supporters were unhappy. According to ESPN, the Atleti fanbase stated that the Portuguese star did not fit with their club’s identity. A union of the Spanish side’s fan clubs released a strong statement rejecting the idea.
“[Ronaldo] represents the antithesis of the values that constitute the hallmarks of our Atleti, such as the effort, generosity, modesty, and humility of those who defend our values,” it read.
Additionally, at a pre-season game, fans publicly expressed their view.
During a friendly against Spanish third-tier side Numancia, Atletico fans displayed a banner in their supporter section. This large banner gave a blunt message to the Madrid hierarchy over any transfer for the forward. It simply read: “CR7 NOT WELCOME”.
Finally, Atletico’s President, Enrique Cerezo, seemed to draw a line under the ordeal.
“I don’t know who invented this story about Cristiano, but it is practically impossible that he comes here,” said Cerezo per The Athletic.
But that hasn’t stopped the Portugal captain from responding to the Atletico supporters’ banner.
Cristiano Ronaldo reacts to Atletico Madrid fans’ banner
Commenting under a post from Instagram page @cr7madridy_, Cristiano Ronaldo used emojis to express his feelings over the Atletico Madrid supporters’ reaction.
Somewhat humorously, Ronaldo put several laughing emojis – to the delight of his fans and followers.
The United forward also explained his thoughts about the media in a separate fan page post. After Instagram page @cristianoronaldoish posted a further update on this summer’s saga, Ronaldo shared his opinion on the matter.
“It’s impossible not to talk about me one day,” he commented, translation from @TimelineCR7 on Twitter. “Otherwise, the press won’t make money. They know that if they don’t lie, they can’t attract people’s attention. Keep going, one day you’ll get some news right!”
As it stands, Man United insist that Ronaldo is not for sale, and he has re-joined the squad in pre-season preparation. Unfortunately, CR7 still wants out, so the rumours show no sign of slowing down in this transfer window.
Featured image credit: Getty
