“It Is Possible” Ex Barca Director Confirms Man United Or Chelsea Can Sign £280,000-A-Week Star

Ex-Barcelona president Joan Laporta has stated his belief that reigning World Footballer of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo, could leave Real Madrid in the summer. Laporta thinks Ronaldo is at the right age to mull exit from the Santiago Bernabeu, as the Portuguese forward has been below his best this season. Ronaldo has notched 13 goals for Real this season, but has struggled to make any impact in recent games and is out of form, which was pretty obvious in the El Clásico clash at the Bernabeu on Saturday where Barca won 4-0.

That has somehow led to speculation about Ronaldo’s future, with the Portugal international linked with a return to Manchester United where he enjoyed a successful spell between 2003 and 2009. There are also claims Ronaldo could join Paris Saint-Germain, while Chelsea have also been mooted as a possible destination.

“I’m not surprised that is happening,” Laporta told reporters at a padel event for all players and staff of Real and Barca in the capital on Thursday. “Cristiano is a player who is at a point in his career where he should consider other options. The market is strong at the moment and there is a lot of money in the Premier League. He has been at Real Madrid for many years and perhaps he should look at other avenues. At his age, it’s the right time.”

Laporta comments would have given the likes of Man United and Chelsea renewed hopes of landing Ronaldo. The Blues owner is reportedly keen to bring Ronaldo to Stamford Bridge next summer and is ready to pay an astronomical fee to get the deal done, while United boss, Louis van Gaal, could also try once more to make the Portuguese his marquee signing come next summer.