Cristiano Ronaldo has received yet another unwanted transfer message - as Bayern Munich's chief executive confirmed he "quickly dismissed" the idea of signing the Manchester United megastar.
A host of giant clubs from across Europe were linked with Ronaldo during the summer transfer window after he informed the Old Trafford hierarchy that he wanted to leave. Chelsea led the interest from Premier League clubs, while further afield the likes of Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid and former outfit Real Madrid were rumoured to be in the frame.
Like some of the aforementioned sides, Bundesliga champions Bayern have the financial might to fund a move for Ronaldo, but CEO Oliver Kahn moved to rule out such an approach. In a fresh update, the former Germany goalkeeper explained just how rapidly he decided against pursuing Ronaldo.
"We briefly discussed Ronaldo at Bayern and Dortmund probably did too," Kahn told German outlet SPORT BILD. "We also see the big picture of the Bundesliga. Of course, superstars like Ronaldo are an important factor in attracting attention to the league. He is one of the greatest of the last decade. But we quickly dismissed that."
Kahn's latest comments come after he repeatedly distanced himself from Ronaldo while the summer window was open. Speaking in July, he was quizzed on his transfer targets and told reporters: "We have been fast on the market this summer. It is very exciting. You are asking about Ronaldo, right? The window is still open for some for time and we are in talks with several players and things can still happen."
Asked about the five-time Ballon d'Or winner earlier that month, Kahn said: "As highly as I rate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest, a transfer wouldn't be a fit with our philosophy.
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"I love Cristiano Ronaldo and everyone knows how fantastic he is, but every club has a certain philosophy and I'm not sure if it would be the right thing for Bayern and the Bundesliga if we signed him now."
Having been forced to stay put at Old Trafford, Ronaldo has entered the final year of his contract. There is the option to extend for another year, but this is very unlikely to be taken up.
The Sporting Lisbon academy graduate might have hoped to pursue pastures new midway through the season by means of a January transfer. However, United are unwilling to allow him to leave in the winter, as they have no immediate plans to enter the market for a new striker. As a result, Ronaldo faces the prospect of seeing out the remaining months on his deal before becoming a free agent next summer.
