SPORTING LISBON boss Ruben Amorim didn’t rule out a move for Cristiano Ronaldo when asked about the Manchester United forward.
Amorim addressed Portuguese media shortly after Ronaldo’s bombshell interview with The Sun columnist Piers Morgan.
And the 37-year-old defended Ronaldo, saying “everyone at Sporting likes him”.
In a world exclusive interview, Ronaldo said he felt betrayed by United, while claiming the club has not progressed since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Ronaldo also took a dig at Wayne Rooney after his former team-mate criticised him earlier this season.
When quizzed on the interview, Amorim said, via Ojogo: “I’ve been asked this question a thousand times. Ronaldo is a Manchester United player.
“Everyone at Sporting likes him, there’s not much to say. He himself says he wants to do things in peace to follow his future.”
Morgan admitted today on talkSPORT that it seems unlikely Ronaldo’s future is at United.
But Sporting gaffer Amorim remained coy on whether or not a transfer for Ronaldo is on the cards.
Amorim said: “He will decide his future. I won’t be here telling you how things are for me. In the summer it became obvious that things don’t all pass me by.
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“There’s the club, there’s the structure. He’s a Manchester United player.”
Ronaldo began his professional career with Sporting Lisbon, before joining the Red Devils aged 18 in 2003.
He has been linked with an emotional return to the Portuguese outfit after asking to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
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Ronaldo’s mum, Dolores, even revealed last month that she wants to see him back at the club playing alongside his son, Cristiano Jr.
The Red Devils have today responded to Ronaldo’s comments.
In a statement, they said: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo.
“The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.
“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”
Watch ‘Piers Morgan Uncensored: 90 Minutes with Ronaldo’, 8pm on Wednesday and Thursday on TalkTV. Find TalkTV on Sky 526, Virgin Media 606, Freeview 237, Freesat 217 and Sky Glass 508, live and on demand on the TalkTV app, streaming services and at Talk.TV
