After the world star had already been traded by the media at some top clubs, rumors shot up in mid-August that Cristiano Ronaldo could also imagine a move to the German Bundesliga to Borussia Dortmund. From the start, it seemed unlikely that the deal would become a reality. Now, however, it has been revealed that the flirt with BVB was definitely a hot one.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s “last transfer hope” is Borussia Dortmund, the US broadcaster “CBS Sports” dropped the bomb about a week ago. The “Bild” confirmed the Portuguese’s desire to move to the Ruhr area, the entourage of the multiple world footballer is said to have already made representations to BVB, it was said.
The idea was “very charming at first glance” and CR7 “one of the greatest players the world has ever seen”, BVB Managing Director Hans Joachim Watzke quickly took a stand in view of the media conflagration, but clearly banished the rumor to the realm of fairy tales : The catch is “that there is no contact at all between those involved and certainly no transfer”.
“Sport Bild” now reveals that these words are only partially true. Although Ronaldo consultant Jorge Mendes is not supposed to have contacted BVB, as originally reported, a “confidant of his consulting agency ‘Gestifute'” did seek the conversation. All in all, the cause was “much hotter behind the scenes than previously known,” concludes the Sport-Zeitung.
Ronaldo is said to have been willing to make cuts for BVB
For a new start at BVB, Ronaldo, who is currently said to be earning an astronomical 29 million euros net per year at Manchester United, is said to have been willing to make “big cuts” in salary. The superstar himself is said to have realized that he had to bake smaller rolls at the age of 37.
According to the report, the club’s payments do not play first fiddle for the record player and goalscorer in the Champions League anyway. Much more important: Ronaldo could have competed in the premier class with BVB, with ManUnited it was only enough to take part in the Europa League. Ronaldo’s numerous advertising partners are said to have linked the payment of enormous sums to the offensive player’s participation in the most important European club competition.
In addition, Ronaldo is said to have been impressed by the crowds of fans and the enthusiasm at BVB, a move to the Bundesliga, in which he has not yet hunted for a title, could also have been “staged in an effective advertising manner”, according to “Sport Bild”.
In Dortmund, the scenario is said to have only been discussed briefly internally. Even if the deal would have been financially manageable, the club bosses saw the risk as “far too great,” they say. The commitment of the dazzling super kicker would have attracted extreme attention, probably demanded an exceptional position and endangered the existing team structure.
Incidentally, Ronaldo’s self-image in the dressing room should not only have deterred BVB. FC Bayern, to which Ronaldo is said to have also been offered, is said to have even asked ex-United coach Ralf Rangnick about the exceptional footballer and then also refrained from a deal.