Jose Mourinho eyed a sensational reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo before the former Manchester United star’s Saudi Arabia transfer.
Cristiano Ronaldo ended 2022 with a bang by completing a free transfer to Al-Nassr last month after Manchester United terminated his contract during the Qatar World Cup. However, he could have sensationally reunited with Jose Mourinho at AS Roma instead of starting a new chapter in Saudi Arabia.
Ronaldo has joined Al-Nassr on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth £177million, potentially ending his illustrious career in Europe.
After his United exit in November, speculation about his next destination was rife, with the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reportedly keen to stay in the continent to extend his Champions League goalscoring record.
And, according to La Repubblica, Mourinho was keen to take him to Roma to bolster their Serie A and Europa League ambitions.
The Portuguese coach helmed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning one La Liga title with Ronaldo in the team.
Jose Mourinho reportedly wanted to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo at Roma.
Jose Mourinho reportedly wanted to reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo at Roma. (Image: GETTY)
At his unveiling, he said: “I want to change the mentality of the new generation. I am so proud of making this big decision in my life and my career.
My work in Europe is done. I played for all the most important clubs. I had many opportunities in Europe. Many clubs in Brazil, Australia, in the US and even Portugal.
“For me, this is a good chance, with my knowledge and experience, to grow very important clubs.
“I want to help many different points and the Al-Nassr’s woman’s team. I want to change the perspective of many people.”
Cristiano Ronaldo has penned a £177m contract at Al-Nassr. (Image: Getty)
Ronaldo’s unveiling was on Tuesday, but he’s being made to wait for his debut while he serves a two-match FA ban.
He was punished for smashing a phone out of an Everton fan’s hand in frustration after United lost at Goodison Park last summer.
It means he watched this week’s Saudi Pro League clash with Al-Tai from the stands as the fans present heralded him with chants and cries of ‘Sui’.
He could be in line for his debut against none other than Lionel Messi when a Saudi All-Star XI face Paris Saint-Germain in the Riyadh Season Cup on January 19.
Man United introduce ‘Ronaldo rule’ to limit player’s salaries
Manchester United have reportedly introduced a ‘Cristiano Ronaldo rule’ to ensure no first-team player earns more than £200,000-a-week.
The 37-year-old, who had his contract terminated by mutual consent in November, was believed to be pocketing £480,000-per-week at Old Trafford.
REX3United have introduced a salary cap to £200,000-a-week at Old Trafford
It was revealed in September how the Red Devils had set a Premier League record of boasting the highest wage bill at £384million for the 2021/22 season.
And following Ronaldo’s departure, United have put in place a salary cap to ensure no-one at the Theatre of Dreams is paid drastically more than their teammates.
According to the Daily Mail, boss Erik ten Hag, director of football John Murtough and chief executive Richard Arnold are keen to avoid a culture of jealousy in the dressing room.
And this is set to have an immediate impact on goalkeeper David de Gea, whose £375,000-a-week contract expires in the summer – though United have the option to tie him down for a further year.
It has been stated that the Spaniard has been offered a ‘take it or leave it offer’ in the region of between £180,000-£200,000-per-week.
De Gea recently revealed how he is in talks with United over a new deal as he insisted he wants to finish his career at the club.
The ‘Ronaldo rule’ has been brought in to avoid jealousy in the dressing room
Senior figures such as Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro are understood to be earning within the maximum bracket United are prepared to hand out.
Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are also taking home similar salaries.
Luke Shaw, who is contracted until 2024, will be offered similar terms to De Gea.
But United may have a challenge in trying to persuade Marcus Rashford to agree to that salary, with Paris Saint-Germain prepared to offer him £850,000-a-week, Bild has stated.
De Gea will have to agree to a lower salary if he wishes to remain at United
Reports in December claimed Rashford was closing in on a new £400,000-per-week deal at United – which he instantly branded as fake news.
The Mail have also declared that United players have wage sanctions written into their contracts should they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
But the club are in a great position to finish in the top four this campaign as they sit fourth in the table having won their last four Premier League games.
Source: express.co.uk; talksport.com
