Borussia Dortmund chief confesses ‘love’ for Cristiano Ronaldo amid Man Utd exit talk

Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that he “loves” Manchester United talisman Cristiano Ronaldo amid mounting speculation over the forward’s future at Old Trafford.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been heavily linked with a move away from United this summer, but has regularly seen potential destinations fall out of plausibility as time has gone by.

In recent days, however, reports have emerged linking Ronaldo with a possible transfer to Dortmund in the latter stages of the window.

German outlet Bild claimed earlier in the week that the player is keen on pushing through a move to North Rhine-Westphalia amid growing frustrations at his current situation in England.

And now Dortmund chief Watzke has spoken out on the matter.

Here’s everything you need to know...

What has Watzke said about Ronaldo?

The Borussia Dortmund CEO has openly confessed his admiration for Ronaldo, but has also admitted that there are no talks currently ongoing to take the 37-year-old to Germany.

As quoted by Sky Sports Germany, he said: “I love this player, it’s certainly a charming idea to see Cristiano play at Signal Iduna Park. But there is no contact at all between the parties involved.”

What is Ronaldo’s current stance on a move to Borussia Dortmund?

As things stand, it is understood that Ronaldo is keen to force through a move in the coming days.

According to Bild’s report, the forward “absolutely wants” to join Dortmund, although the German outlet also claim that Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, was given a less than encouraging response when he contacted club chiefs over the possibility of a move.

To some extent, Watzke’s comments would suggest that there is an interest in taking Ronaldo to Signal Iduna Park, but a lack of concrete negotiatons don’t bode particularly well for the player’s ambitions at this stage.

What is Erik ten Hag’s stance on Ronaldo’s future?

According to an update from the Manchester Evening News, the United manager is open to the idea of selling Ronaldo this summer, but has met resistance from the club’s owners.

An update from Samuel Luckhurst reads: “Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer is against the prospect of selling of Cristiano Ronaldo despite the player’s wish to leave the club.

“It is understood United manager Erik ten Hag has privately been receptive to selling Ronaldo for weeks but Glazer has so far resisted any proactive attempts to sell the Portuguese.”