Options look short for Cristiano Ronaldo as transfer speculation intensifies

By Ben Church, CNN

Updated 1049 GMT (1849 HKT) July 28, 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants to play in the Champions League next season.

(CNN)It was less than a year ago that Cristiano Ronaldo made his sensational return to Manchester United, but the superstar is once again involved in another transfer saga.

Not happy with his current club's position, it appears the 37-year-old is on the hunt for a new adventure that can satisfy his desire to play in the Champions League. United says it has no plans to sell, but peace talks between the two camps have reportedly failed this week with Ronaldo's heart set on playing at the very highest level while he still can. But, despite him being one of the greatest players to ever play the game, it seems Ronaldo's options are limited. According to widespread reports, Atlético Madrid had been a potential destination but not everyone at the Spanish club was happy with the possibility. Read MoreRonaldo is a legend at Atlético's archrival Real Madrid and, despite the club refuting the possible transfer, its fans expressed their displeasure at the prospect of signing the striker.Supporters unfurled banners at a preseason game against Numancia on Wednesday — with one reading 'CR7 not welcome.' Bayern Munich was another option after it sold its star forward Robert Lewandowski, but that door now appears to be closed after Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn said the club had decided against pursuing the deal. «We came to the conclusion that despite all the appreciation for Cristiano, he would not have fit in our philosophy in the current situation,» Kahn told Germany's Sport Bild magazine.Atlético Madrid fans display a sign against Cristiano Ronaldo joining the club.Manchester United standoff Ronaldo