'I have to set out my position' - Ronaldo speaks out on Real Madrid and Man City rumours

Stefan Bienkowski

• Updated: 17 Aug 2021 14:27 CDT
• 5 min read

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo has taken to social media to deny reports linking him with a departure from the Serie A club this summer.

The Portugal international was heavily linked with a return to Real Madrid for much of the transfer window, before a more recent report in England suggested the player could end up moving to Manchester City.

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At one point the 36-year-old goalscorer was even linked with an unlikely move to Paris Saint-Germain to play alongside Lionel Messi.

Much of the reporting around Ronaldo’s future has focussed on Juventus’ precarious financial situation and the apparent desire to move the senior forward on and lighten the club’s wage bill.

However, to alleviate the concerns of Juventus fans, Ronaldo took to Instagram on Tuesday evening to distance himself from a potential move to Madrid and a possible departure from the Turin club.

’I have to set out my position’

“Anyone who knows me is aware of how focused I am on my work," said the former Manchester United star on an instagram post.

"Less talk and more action, this has been my guiding motto since the start of my career. However, in view of everything that’s been said and written recently, I have to set out my position.

“More than the disrespect for me as a man and as a player, the frivolous way that my future is covered in the media is disrespectful to all the clubs involved in these rumours, as well as to their players and staff.

“My story at Real Madrid has been written. It’s been recorded. In words and numbers, in trophies and titles, in records and in headlines. It’s in the Museum at the Bernabeu Stadium and it’s also in the minds of every fan of the club. And beyond what I achieved, I remember that in those nine years I had a relationship of deep affection and respect for “merengue afición”, an affection and respect that I retain to this day, and that I will always cherish. I know that the true Real Madrid fans will continue to have me in their hearts, and I will have them in mine.

“As well as this most recent episode in Spain, there have been frequent news and stories associating me with a number of clubs in many different Leagues, with nobody ever being concerned about trying to find out the actual truth.

“I’m breaking my silence now to say that I can’t allow people to keep playing around with my name. I remain focused on my career and in my work, committed and prepared for all the challenges that I have to face. Everything else? Everything else is just talk.”