Newcastle were offered the chance to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after his explosive interview with Piers Morgan.
That was according to the Daily Mail, who claim that the Portugal international’s agent Jorge Mendes has offered the six-time Ballon d’Or winner with 701 career goals to the Magpies.
Interestingly, the report did not mention how Newcastle reacted to being given that opportunity.
Now, there has been a significant development.
Newcastle can sign Ronaldo for free
Well, it isn’t often that a footballer has his contract ripped up, especially someone of Ronaldo’s quality, although that is exactly what has happened now.
After the 37-year-old criticised Erik ten Hag and those in the boardroom at Old Trafford, Manchester United have now confirmed that they have terminated the forward’s contract with immediate effect, in what is huge news.
The Red Devils are clearly furious at Ronaldo for his revealing interview with Morgan, and saw no other way forward than to get rid of the Portuguese sensation, who is arguably the greatest footballer of all time.
In our view, it is absolutely the right decision.
Ten Hag would not be taken seriously by others in the dressing room if he continued to play Ronaldo after he openly said he doesn’t respect the Dutch tactician, to say the least.
Newcastle should ignore Ronaldo
As tempting as it may be for Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi to bring Ronaldo to Tyneside, they have to resist.
Eddie Howe has created a positive environment at St James’ Park, with the Magpies currently sitting third in the Premier League as young signings like Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes impress.
That is the type of profile Newcastle need more of, rather than a disruptive presence in Ronaldo who will undoubtedly make it all about him, like he did at Manchester United.
Hopefully, Howe and his bosses do not end up embroiled in an argument over this, as it would make no sense to sign the high profile free agent.
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