Diego Simeone explains why he would NEVER sign Cristiano Ronaldo for Atletico Madrid, closing another exit door for the Man United star, because of his legendary status at rivals Real
- Cristiano Ronaldo was linked with a move to join Atletico Madrid last summer
- It came as he tried to secure Champions League football for another year
- The rumoured move caused outrage among Ateltico fans at the time
- Diego Simeone has now said the move would never have happened
Diego Simeone has said Cristiano Ronaldo could never have joined Atletico Madrid given his standing at local rivals Real.
It comes after the striker was repeatedly linked with Atleti over the summer as he looked to secure a move that would give him Champions League football.
There was outrage from fans at the time, with one supporter group labelling Ronaldo ‘the antithesis’ of Ateltico’s values.
Cristiano Ronaldo was linked with a move to join Atletico Madrid last summer
Diego Simeone referenced Ronaldo’s ‘legend’ status at Real as a reason not to sign him
Simeone has now suggested the transfer would never have happened, and pointed to the 37-year-old’s time at Real as a factor.
He told Marca: ‘The rumours are far from what actually happened. People sometimes speak to tell what they want to, not what actually happens.
‘Ronaldo is an absolute legend for Real Madrid. I would not see [Martin] Palermo playing in River just as I wouldn’t see [Juan Roman] Riquelme or [Ariel] Ortega playing in Boca. There are situations that are very clear.’
The 37-year-old striker scored an incredible 450 goals in 438 games in nine years at Real
The Portuguese striker had an incredible record for Real, scoring 450 goals in 438 goals in a nine season spell that also saw him win two La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.
He also struck 25 goals in 37 games against Atletico, his highest tally against any individual club.
Ronaldo may still be keen to force Champions League move at some point, as his record for the most goals in the tournament is in danger of being chased down by Lionel Messi.
