After a tumultuous rupture with English Premier League club Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo returned to the training facilities of his previous side, Real Madrid on Wednesday, Spanish newspaper Diario AS reported—an indication the world’s third-highest-paid athlete could make a return to his former club.
Ronaldo started exercising at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas facilities on Wednesday, after asking the team’s management to utilize the training grounds to stay healthy while he hunts for a new team, sources informed ESPN.
Ronaldo, one of the game’s biggest players in the last two decades, has been without a team since November when he and Manchester United agreed to end his $618,000 weekly deal.
Despite being a free agent, Ronaldo is not permitted to sign for another club until the January transfer window opens.
It has been widely reported that Ronaldo would prefer to join a club competing in the UEFA Champions League.
But a move back to 14-time European champions Real is not on the cards.
Ronaldo is simply using Real’s facilities to stay fit as he prepares for a new chapter in his illustrious career.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently left Qatar following Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup at the quarter-final stage.
But Ronaldo could be returning to the Middle East in the new year as he is said to be a transfer target for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
