Ronaldo blasts 'disrespectful' rumors, rules out Real Madrid return

Cristiano Ronaldo declared his story at Real Madrid is “written” and said speculation about his future is “disrespectful” to him and the clubs involved.

Ronaldo distanced himself from rumors that he could return to the Santiago Bernabeu following Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti’s tweet earlier Tuesday that stated he’d “never considered” a reunion with the 36-year-old.

“My story at Real Madrid has been written. It’s been recorded,” the Juventus forward wrote on Instagram. “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.”

Both Ronaldo and Ancelotti were likely responding to a claim on Spanish TV show El Chiringuito that the latter, who returned to the club in June for a second coaching stint, wanted a reunion at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“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,” Ronaldo added.

“I’m breaking my silence now to say that I can’t allow people to keep playing around with my name,” he said. “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.”

Ronaldo is in the final year of his contract at Juventus and has been linked with moves to Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City, according to BBC Sport. There’s also speculation the Portuguese veteran could move to another former club in Manchester United or to their northwest rivals Liverpool, Paul Doyle of The Guardian notes.

The attacker joined Juventus from Real Madrid in 2018, ending a nine-year stay in the Spanish capital. He won four Champions League crowns, two La Liga titles, and numerous other team and individual honors during his time with Real Madrid.

He also scooped up plenty of silverware during his preceding six-year stretch with Manchester United, including three Premier League successes and the first Champions League triumph of his career.

He’s won two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, and two Supercoppa Italianas through three full seasons at Juventus.