Atletico Madrid president shuts down Cristiano Ronaldo transfer rumours

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has squashed rumours linking the club with a summer move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The wantaway Manchester United striker has been linked with a host of top European clubs after revealing his desire to leave the Old Trafford Stadium should a suitable offer come in for his services.

A return to the La Liga was reportedly on the cards for the former seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, with Atletico Madrid rumoured to be plotting a sensational summer swoop.

However, club president Enrique Cerezo has ruled out signing Ronaldo, claiming a move to the Estadio Metropolitano is “practically impossible”.

“I don’t know who invented this story about Cristiano Ronaldo to Atletico Madrid – it’s definitely not true,” Cerezo said via COPE.

“It’s practically impossible for him to come to Atletico Madrid.”

Having sat out the Red Devils’ pre-season tour due to family reasons, Ronaldo returned to Carrington with agent Jorge Mendes on Monday to discuss his future.

While he is reportedly keen on calling time on his second stint in the red half of Manchester, United are reluctant to sanction a move for the Portuguese superstar, who has 12 months on his current deal.

“We are planning with Ronaldo for this season – that’s it,” Ten Hag said when quizzed about Ronaldo’s future.

“I’m looking forward to working with him. He hasn’t told me this [that he wants to leave].

“I have read, but as I say, Cristiano is not for sale, he’s in our plans and we want to get success together.

“I spoke with him before this issue came up. I had a conversation with him and had a real good talk.”

However, according to Italian journalist Tancredi Palmeri, the 37-year-old is willing to extend his contract with the Red Devils until 2024 should he be granted a loan exit in search of Champions League football.

Ronaldo finished as the top scorer for the Old Trafford outfit last season, racking up 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions.