Cristiano Ronaldo open to stunning return to Italy with Napoli interested in exiled Man Utd striker in January
CRISTIANO RONALDO is open to another Italian job – after being snubbed by a string of Premier League clubs.
SunSport understands Napoli remain “interested” in the legendary striker, who is heading for an Old Trafford exit following his behaviour against Spurs last week.
Napoli are keen on Cristiano Ronaldo, who is open to a second spell in ItalyGetty
Sources close to the Portuguese star say his advisors have sounded out Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Newcastle and Arsenal.
But the 37-year-old is seen by United’s rivals as too risky.
And a return to Italy is now on the cards after Ronnie won two titles in three years at Juventus.
A source told SunSport: “Chelsea were interested in Ronaldo over the summer, but he is no longer on their radar.
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“Arsenal and Newcastle realise the quality he would bring in helping them to achieve their ambitions.
“But both clubs worry about the wider impact his arrival could have on the clubs.
“The most likely destination now is Italy. Napoli were interested in Ronaldo over the summer and are still keen.
“Adding him to their squad is a step they believe will help in their aim to remain top of Serie A and to progress through the Champions League.
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“But it will come down to whether the club can match the eye-watering wage demands.”
Napoli’s current top earner, Poland international Piotr Zielinski, pockets £90k each week.
Ronaldo had been earning £480k-a-week when he returned to United in 2021.
But their failure to qualify for this season’s Champions League saw his salary slashed by 25 per cent.
Ronaldo is now on a weekly wage of £360k at United.
And he could be ready to take another pay cut to force through a move to Naples.
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Meanwhile, United were linked with Napoli forward Victor Osimhen as a replacement for Ronaldo in the summer.
He is valued at over £100million after scoring his fifth goal of the season in last night’s 1-0 win at Roma.
SunSport’s story comes after Ronaldo refused to come off the bench against Spurs before storming down the tunnel.
Boss Erik ten Hag confirmed he’d walked off, a move which saw him dropped from the first-team squad.
Ronaldo played no part in United’s draw at Chelsea on Saturday and was made to train alone.
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His stance has been fully supported by the club’s hierarchy.
But the incident was not the first time Ronaldo left a match early, departing United’s pre-season friendly with Rayo Vallecano at half-time after being substituted.
