Cristiano Ronaldo responds to claims he's entered talks over shock transfer

Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo has denied claims he’s currently in talks with Sporting Lisbon to discuss a return to Portugal.

Ronaldo, 37, wants to leave Old Trafford this summer but is finding suitable offers hard to come by.

The Portugal legend spent six seasons at United earlier in his career and returned to the Theatre of Dreams last summer from Juventus.

Ronaldo largely impressed during the 2021-22 campaign despite United’s struggles, scoring 24 goals in 38 appearances and being nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award.

But with Manchester United failing to qualify for the Champions League and struggling to compete with their domestic and European rivals, Ronaldo is open to leaving this summer.

One of the clubs being linked with a move for Ronaldo is Sporting Lisbon and reports on Sunday suggested they were in talks with the veteran striker to discuss terms over a deal.

Sport TV even claimed Ronaldo’s car was parked at the club’s stadium in Lisbon as his representatives met Sporting chiefs to talk terms.

But Ronaldo has dismissed the speculation as ‘fake’ and widespread reports say he has no interest in returning to Sporting this summer.

Despite Ronaldo’s desire to leave Manchester United, Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag is adamant that the Ballon d’Or winner will not be sold.

He said last week: ‘We are planning with Ronaldo for this season, so that’s it and I am looking forward to working with him.

‘I don’t know, he hasn’t told me this so I have read but what I say Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to get success together.’

Ten Hag also confirmed that he has not spoken to Ronaldo since it emerged that he is pushing to leave Old Trafford.

‘I spoke with him before this issue