Manchester United attacker Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to respond to claims about his recent meeting with Old Trafford chiefs.
The 37-year-old was back at Carrington earlier this week for the first time since he allegedly informed the Red Devils of his desire to leave the club this summer.
Ronaldo is understood to have held talks with Erik ten Hag and Sir Alex Ferguson alongside agent Jorge Mendes, during which he reiterated his desire to leave.
An Instagram page dedicated to transfers claimed that Mendes left the meeting feeling pessimistic about his chances of brokering a move elsewhere for his client.
"Jorge Mendes told Manchester United that Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant about leaving, but Mendes left negotiations less than positive that Ronaldo would get his move. Sir Alex Ferguson has intervened. United insist Ronaldo is not for sale," the post read.
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However, Ronaldo issued a defiant response to the reports, commenting: "Impossible not to talk about me one day. Otherwise the press makes no money. You know that if you don't lie you can't get people's attention. Keep going then one day you'll get some news right."
As things stand, Man United are planning for the 2022-23 season with Ronaldo on the books, as the Red Devils continue to insist that the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is going nowhere.
Ronaldo's desire to leave reportedly stems from his desire to win one more Champions League before he retires, and Man United will only be battling for Europa League glory next term.
A lack of potential suitors could scupper a move, though, with Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid all publicly ruling themselves out of the race to sign the Portuguese attacker.
A return to Sporting Lisbon has been strongly mooted for Ronaldo, but Ruben Amorim's side could struggle to afford a possible transfer fee and the attacker's wage packet.
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Serie A outfit Napoli have also reportedly been offered the chance to sign Ronaldo, but the Partenopei would realistically have to part ways with Victor Osimhen first.
Ronaldo remains under contract with Man United until 2023 with the option of a further year, but he allegedly wants the club to terminate his deal.
The former Real Madrid and Juventus man struck 24 goals in 38 matches for the Red Devils in 2021-22, including 18 strikes from 30 outings in the Premier League.
Ronaldo was absent from Man United's pre-season tour citing family reasons, and it is unclear if he will be involved against Atletico or Rayo Vallecano this weekend.
Ben Knapton
