Borussia Dortmund Chief Executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has denied reports of a planned move by Dortmund for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Cristiano Ronaldo was linked to a shock move to Borussia Dortmund as his last hope for Champions League football. According to a report shared by CBS Sports via its official Twitter Handle on Thursday, 19, 2022, Borussia Dortmund were considering a move for the 37-year-old as they sample possible replacement options for injured Sebastian Haller.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes was reportedly encouraging a bid for the player from the German club as he remained optimistic about Champions League football for his client this season.
Reacting to the speculations on the alleged plot to sign Cristiano Ronaldo, Watzke expressed his admiration for Ronaldo but dismissed the prospects of bringing him to Signal Iduna Park.
“I love this player”, Watzke said. “It will certainly be a charming idea to see Cristiano Ronaldo play at the Signal Iduna Park. He is one of the greatest players the world has produced, but no contact has been made with the player by those involved. So, stop talking about it.”
The Chief football administrator also used the opportunity to unveil Dortmund’s transfer plan and team strategy. According to him, the club focuses on young players as a long-term strategy and will not be ready to keep players after two or three years.
“The club is focusing more on young talents; we need to invest more on youth, and players must be expected to be sold after two or three years,” he continued.
Dortmund signed Sebastian Haller, 28, from Ajax but lost the player to indefinite absence from the squad due to cancer treatment.
The club has signed French forward Anthony Modeste, 34, as a replacement for Sebastian Haller, and has debunked the Cristiano Ronaldo rumors.
Borussia Dortmund’s purported interest in Cristiano Ronaldo was seen as the Portuguese last chance to have his desired taste of Champions League football this season. Ronaldo has craved Champions League football, which is what Manchester United cannot offer at least this season. He has opted for an exit from the club to join any club with Champions League football.
Ronaldo has been linked to Bayern Munich, PSG, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Chelsea as uncertainty over his Man United future mounts.
No club had officially tendered a bid for the five times Ballon d’Or winner, with the transfer window winding down. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has scouted for a possible destination for his client, all to no avail. The Portuguese has remained mute over his Man United future.
Meanwhile, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is reportedly monitoring developments at Old Trafford with Ronaldo. His interest and admiration for the player remain strong and met be the first to tender a bid before the transfer window closes.
