Premier League clubs in the hunt for Christiano Ronaldo might as well forget about securing his signature, according Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Jose Semedo.
Talking to Alan Brazil and Ray Parlour on the TalkSport Sports Breakfast show, the Portuguese, who is a pal of Ronaldo, said: “He really loves Real Madrid and I think he will retire (there). He loves English football but I think he will retire at Real Madrid.”
Ronaldo, who shares the same agent as new Manchester United boss Joe Mourinho (Jorge Mendes), is often linked to a move back to Old Trafford where he spent six years before moving on to Spain. The 31-year-old Portugal captain enjoyed a successful spell playing under Mourinho at Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants to lift the 2011-12 La Liga title with 46 league goals.
Strong rumours surrounding a potential move to French Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain have not transpired, confirming that Ronaldo looks happy to remain in Madrid until at least 2018, when his contract comes to an end.
The possibility of Ronaldo retiring at Bernabeu might come as a disappointment to team mate Gareth Bale, who, despite often appearing with a façade of British modesty, would no doubt love to thwart Ronaldo’s status as the first name on the team Madrid sheet.
Portugal knocked out Gareth Bale’s Wales side en route to last night’s Euro 2016 final, where Ronaldo’s night ended early after a strong tackle by West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet.
Following Portugal’s surprise victory, which saw ex-Swansea striker Eder score an extra-time winner, a tearful Ronaldo was seen embracing his former Manchester United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson. If anyone can convince Ronaldo to return to England, it will be Ferguson, but despite a strong emotional connection to United it looks like his future remains firmly in Madrid.
