Mourinho wary of adding fuel to Ronaldo 'fire'
MANCHESTER (United Kingdom): Jose Mourinho said Cristiano Ronaldo was the kind of player every manager would want in their squad amid speculation the Real Madrid forward could be on his way back to Old Trafford.
The Portugal international, 32, has been linked with a return to Manchester United and Mourinho has stated previously he intends to make a big signing ahead of next season.
Reports in Spain claim Ronaldo will join United if Real are able to persuade Brazil forward Neymar to move from Paris SaintGermain.
United sold Ronaldo to Real for a then-world record £80 million ($114 million, 92 million euros) in July 2009 and while Mourinho did not want to heighten speculation, he gave United fans a glimmer of hope on Thursday.
"I think at the moment Real Madrid is with him now. I think I should be the last one to add some fuel to the fire," the United manager said.
"Madrid is on fire. The results are not good, and it's a club where I worked for three years, I care about the club and I am the last one to add fire.
"So to put some water on the fire I think Cristiano is the kind of player that every manager wants, every club wants," the Portuguese boss added.
"But only one manager can, only one club can have -- (Zinedine) Zidane and Real Madrid, that's my feeling.” - AFP