Raphael Varane of Manchester United has publicly commented on Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit, a report from BBC notes. He described Ronaldo as a legend whose contribution to the squad is substantial and said playing alongside him is genuinely enjoyable. Varane emphasized that fans and teammates are well aware of Ronaldo’s well-deserved popularity and the distinctive traits that make him a standout player.
The previous season left Manchester United finishing sixth in the Premier League, which meant they did not secure a spot in the Champions League. This outcome influenced Ronaldo’s willingness to remain with the club, as international ambitions and the chance to compete at the sport’s highest level carry significant weight for a player of his caliber.
Ronaldo rejoined Manchester United in the autumn of 2021. In the 2021/22 campaign he appeared in 39 matches, scoring 24 goals and providing 3 assists. Now 37, the veteran striker has consistently stated that winning titles remains his top priority. Yet questions persisted about whether the club could deliver the silverware he seeks in the near term, given the competitive landscape of English and European football.
There were reports surrounding Ronaldo’s future involving Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo’s longtime agent, who was previously linked with a potential move to Atlético Madrid. While such discussions sparked speculation, the ultimate decisions regarding Ronaldo’s path were determined by a mix of athletic considerations, contract dynamics, and the club’s evolving strategy under its management and ownership.