Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his social media silence amid the uncertainty surrounding his future at Manchester United.
It initially appeared that doubts on whether Ronaldo would remain at United had been put to bed early in the summer after the 37-year-old spoke of his excitement of working alongside new boss Erik ten Hag. However, earlier this month he told the club that he wishes to leave for a second time in the transfer window despite only returning to Old Trafford last summer.
After the news of his desire to depart broke on Saturday, July 2, Ronaldo was due to report to Carrington to begin pre-season training on the following Monday. However, the club granted him extra time off due to family reasons. Ronaldo also didn't travel with the rest of the squad for their pre-season tour and is now in Lisbon.
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Ronaldo's social media has been radio silent since his wish to leave United became public but that changed on Thursday as he took to both Twitter and Instagram to post a photograph of him working out in a gym. It was accompanied by the caption: 'HARD WORK,' with a muscle emoji.
MEN Sport understands that Ronaldo wants to leave United after growing frustrated with a lack of transfer activity from the club this summer following on from their dreadful campaign last term as well as a 25 per cent pay cut that was enforced on the squad following the failure to qualify for the Champions League.
Despite his stance, United has remained adamant that he is not for sale while dressing room sources believe he will stay at the club. Earlier this week, Ten Hag insisted that he was planning for the season with Ronaldo in mind.
"No, we are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that's it and I'm looking forward to working with him," he said. "I have read but what I say is Cristiano is not for sale, he is in our plans and we want success together.
"I spoke with him before this issue came up, I had a conversation with him and I had a good talk. That is between Cristiano and me, what I can confirm is we had a really good conversation together. What I said before, once again, I had a really good talk together."
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