Cristiano Ronaldo has already issued Sporting verdict amid Man Utd exit links

Cristiano Ronaldo has already expressed his affection for Sporting Lisbon amid links with a return to the club.

Ronaldo spent six years with Sporting early in his career, joining as a youngster before going on to represent the club at senior level.

The Portuguese superstar made 25 senior appearances for the first team, scoring three times, and that’s when he caught the attention of Manchester United.

It was only up from there, but last year, Ronaldo returned to United, signing a two-year contract.

Just one year later, he appears to want out as he looks to secure a club playing Champions League football.

Given his mammoth wages, there aren’t too many takers at this point, but his former club, Sporting have been mentioned as a possible destination.

Ronaldo may be willing to drop his wage significantly to return to his home country and represent the club that gave him the opportunity of starting his senior career.

Back in 2016, the superstar spoke about Sporting in glowing terms. Ahead of facing them when at Real Madrid, he said: “It’s a special game, it’s a special team.

“I wanted to come back and play against Sporting because I believe they are a good team, they have a good coach and it will be a special moment in my life.”

Since then, Sporting have employed a new head coach, with Ronaldo’s former Portugal teammate Rúben Amorim taking the reins in 2020.

For now, Ronaldo has denied he has been in talks with Sporting, but they remain one of the most likely destinations if he is to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Clubs seem to be shying away from a move due to his wages and the negative impacts he can have on a team dynamic.

Despite United’s struggles last season, Ronaldo still managed to net 18 Premier League goals.

But there is no doubt he has a selfish approach to the game, and that can be difficult for coaches to accept, especially if they want to implement a long-term philosophy.