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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
James Findlater

'The time will come' - Manchester United given warning over Cristiano Ronaldo future

Manchester United have been told that Cristiano Ronaldo won’t end his playing career at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese superstar made a sensational return to United during the summer, 12 years after first leaving the club for Real Madrid.

Now 36, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been tipped by many to bring his playing days to an end at Old Trafford, having signed a two-year deal upon his return back in August with the option of a third year.

Ronaldo could be 39 by the time his deal runs out, but the ex-Juventus man has been tipped for another move back to one of his other former clubs.

Former Real Madrid team-mate Antonio Adan has told Portuguese outlet Record that he expects Ronaldo to return to Lisbon and re-join Sporting, the club where he began his professional career, before he calls time on his playing days.

Adan himself now plies his trade with Sporting, having previously played alongside Ronaldo during their time together at the Bernabeu.

“He is a goalscoring machine, with a passion for football,” Adan said.

“It would be fantastic if he could return to Sporting. He is a son of the club and I am sure he is thinking of doing so.

“The time will come when he will wear Sporting’s shirt again.”

Ronaldo himself hasn’t ruled out a return to his native Portugal, having been urged by his mother to make a return to Sporting earlier this year.

Dolores Aveiro told the AND de Leao podcast : “Ronaldo has to come back (to Sporting), he’d be here for me.

“He likes watching Sporting’s games. I’ve already told him: ‘Son, before I die I want to see you return to Sporting’. ‘Let’s see…’, he said.”

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