Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo claims that a move for Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo is "practically impossible" for the La Liga outfit this summer.
The 37-year-old has been strongly linked with a move away from Old Trafford as he is keen to continue playing in the Champions League.
After missing the club's pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia and instead spending time in his native Portugal due to "a family issue", Ronaldo has since returned to Manchester this week to resolve his future.
A potential switch to Atletico Madrid has been mooted in recent weeks for the former Real Madrid man, with one report claiming that Diego Simeone's side are prepared to sell Antoine Griezmann to fund a deal for the Portuguese forward.
However, Atletico chief Cerezo has played down speculation linking Ronaldo with a move to the Spanish side this summer.
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Speaking to El Partidazo de COPE, via The Mirror, Cerezo said: "I don't know who invented the story of [Ronaldo], but it's practically impossible for him to come to Atletico de Madrid."
The likes of Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Sporting Lisbon have also turned down the chance to sign Ronaldo this summer, leaving the five-time Ballon d'Or winner with limited options if he is to leave the Red Devils.
Speaking to SPORT1, Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic said: "I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career, but once again: That was and is not a topic for us."
Meanwhile, Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim denied suggestions of Ronaldo returning to the club where he began his career back in 2002, telling Record: "Is Ronaldo a chance? I already heard that, I don't read anything, I don't see anything. For me the reality is different, it's keeping my players."
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In addition, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is another to have played down rumours of signing Ronaldo and has affirmed that signing a new striker is not the club's priority at present.
"I would not rule it out but right now it is not the priority," the German told Sky Sports News earlier this month. "The priority right now is defence, it's not a secret. From there we need to see what's possible.
There is still a strong possibility that Ronaldo could remain at Old Trafford for the 2022-23 campaign, with Erik ten Hag having previously expressed his desire to include the forward in his plans.
Ronaldo, who has just 12 months remaining on his contract, recorded 24 goals and three assists in 38 appearances for Man United across all competitions last season.
Oliver Thomas
