Cristiano Ronaldo dig could rule out a potential suitor as he eyes Manchester United exit

Cristiano Ronaldo may have eliminated a potential suitor for his services after aiming a dig at them back in 2019.

Manchester United's leading goalscorer last season did not travel on their pre-season tour due to family reasons. A few days prior Ronaldo had made it clear to the United hierarchy that should an acceptable offer be submitted for his services then he would want the club to accept it.

United have been adamant that Ronaldo is not for sale and that they plan to see him return to the squad soon. For the 37-year-old, options away from Old Trafford seem to be scarce.

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Chelsea and Bayern Munich were interested but neither move materialised. Recent reports have suggested that Atletico Madrid are now weighing up a move for the Portuguese ace.

Should he make the switch to the Wanda Metropolitano it would likely anger both sides of the Spanish capital. Ronaldo established himself as a legend at Real Madrid and he could arguably taint his legacy with a move to their bitter rivals.

However, a dig he aimed at Atleti back in 2019 may have already scuppered any possible deal. While playing for Juventus he came up against Atletico in the Champions League.

Having been taunted in Spain during a 2-0 first-leg defeat, Ronaldo bounced back to grab a hat-trick and knock the La Liga side out of the competition. The forward would mock head coach Diego Simeone with his celebration after scoring the third goal of the game but for Atletico fans the worst was yet to come.

As Ronaldo left the stadium in Turin post-match, he proceeded to mock the Spanish team further. He told reporters: "I have five Champions Leagues, these guys zero.

"It had to be a really special night and it was." Seemingly