Real Madrid News
Cristiano Ronaldo was waiting for an offer from Real Madrid before Al Nassr move
Following his abrupt exit from Manchester United, Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr, completing the transfer on Friday afternoon.
The Portuguese legend signed a deal until the summer of 2025 with the Middle Eastern outfit, which could see him pocket around €500 million over the duration of the contract.
The move came as a shock to many, considering that Ronaldo had been vocal about his desire to continue playing at the highest level in Europe and had cited his disappointment about not playing in the UEFA Champions League this season with Manchester United.
Following his exit from United and the elimination of the Portugal national team from the World Cup, Ronaldo briefly put up camp at Real Madrid, using the club’s training facilities to keep himself in shape as he mulled over his next move.
And, MARCA is now reporting that during that period, the 37-year-old footballing legend was hoping that Real Madrid would call him and present him with a contract offer to join the club.
Ronaldo is a legend at Real Madrid, having spent eight years at the club between 2009 and 2018. The Portuguese superstar is the all-time leading goalscorer for Los Blancos, having netted 451 goals in 438 appearances, while also winning two La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies.
There had been reports of Ronaldo even being willing to take a major pay cut in order to secure a return to Real Madrid following his exit from Manchester United.
However, Los Blancos, who were happy to permit him to make use of the club’s training facilities, never showed any interest in re-signing the club icon.
And with no offer coming forth from the Spanish capital giants, Ronaldo eventually ended up signing for Al Nassr, in the process bringing an end to his career in top-level European football.
Real Madrid News
Atletico striker hoping Bellingham has an off day during derby: “He is at a great level”
Speaking to DAZN (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Atletico Madrid forward Alvaro Morata admitted that Real Madrid midfield superstar Jude Bellingham is performing at a great level.
Real Madrid take on Atletico in La Liga on Sunday in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano and without a doubt, Bellingham will pose a huge threat for the Rojiblancos.
Alvaro Morata hopes Bellingham as a quiet outing
Ahead of the blockbuster encounter on Sunday, Morata, who is Atletico’s main striker, admitted that Bellingham has great quality.
“I saw him last year in a few games, the truth is that he caught my attention. I saw him in his team and in his national team, and talking to people who had played with him, teammates he has, you could already see that he was a great player,” he said.
However, the former Real Madrid striker added that he hoped that the England international has an off day during the derby.
“The truth is that he is at a great level, we can only hope that he doesn’t do well and that we also have very good players to counteract that. We hope he doesn’t have a good day on Sunday,” Morata stated.
Bellingham fit and ready to go
Bellingham has been the in-form player for Real Madrid this season with six goals and an assist in six matches across all competitions.
So, naturally, there were concerns when he did not complete the training sessions on Friday due to stomach issues.
But, the 20-year-old returned to training today and Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he will play against Atleti tomorrow, with the Englishman named in the squad list as well.
