RON LAST MOVE
United and PSG leading chase
CRISTIANO RONALDO has said that his focus is solely on Portugal and their attempt to defend their Euros crown.
Yet there can be little doubt that his ability to confound those who would hang up his boots prematurely could yet see him land one last major move.
Both Paris St-germain and Manchester United have made no secret of their long-standing admiration for the striker.
Staggeringly, given he is 36, Ronaldo’s two goals in Portugal’s opening smash-and-grab raid on Hungary suggested he remains at or close to the peak of his powers.
Portugal manager Fernando Santos and the player have come up with a slight modification to their style, with Ronaldo operating as a finisher rather than picking the ball up deep and driving through – a concession to his ageing legs perhaps – but otherwise he looks as good as ever.
The striker is contracted with Juventus until summer 2022 but has said he will decide on his future at the end of the Euros.
With Massimiliano Allegri replacing Andrea Pirlo, an exit from Turin looks likely.
PSG are interested but are waiting to see Kylian Mbappe’s decision on a possible move before firming up an offer, while United are considering a wage package which would make him the second top earner at the club behind David De Gea.
When asked about his future, Ronaldo, who is now the all-time leading Euros scorer with 11 goals, said: “I have been playing at the highest level for 18 years. It doesn’t really bother me.
“I’m 36. Now I’m focused on the European Championship.
“I want to win and I want to have positive thoughts from the first to the last game.”