By Betsefy
Manchester United‘s acquisition of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro has reportedly convinced Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at Old Trafford this summer.
Ronaldo continues to be strongly linked with a move away from the 20-time English champions, with the Portugal international allegedly determined to once again play Champions League football this term.
However, a number of clubs are believed to have turned down the chance to sign the 37-year-old, and there is not an obvious suitor for him approaching the latter stages of the window.
Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure at the end of last weekend’s 4-0 loss at Brentford, while there have been suggestions that his attitude around the training ground is becoming a problem.
However, according to Portuguese transfer insider Pedro Almeida, the Portuguese has now accepted to remain at Old Trafford beyond the end of this summer’s transfer window.
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Almeida claims that Casemiro’s arrival from Real Madrid “was important” in terms of Ronaldo’s decision, with the striker looking forward to playing alongside his former teammate.
Ronaldo featured alongside the Brazilian at Bernabeu between 2013 and 2018, and the pair are believed to have shared a close relationship in the Spanish capital.
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] surprises me every day because he always wants to work more, he always wants to win more,” Casemiro told reporters during their time together in Madrid.
“He’s an inspiration for every football player in the world. He’s an exceptional player both on and off the pitch. He’s never happy with his goals, he always wants more, and that’s why he’s the best on the world. I have the great pleasure of being able to work alongside him and I learn a lot of things from him.”
Casemiro is believed to have undergone the first part of his Man United medical on Saturday, with a move potentially being announced before the end of the weekend.
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Marseille and Borussia Dortmund are the latest clubs to be linked with Ronaldo, but it is believed that both sides have rejected the chance to sign him.
There is still thought to be interest from his former club Sporting Lisbon, but the Portuguese giants would only be able to afford the forward if Man United let him leave on a free transfer.
Ronaldo’s desire to continue playing in the Champions League was allegedly driving his desire to leave Old Trafford, with Erik ten Hag‘s side set to play in the Europa League this term.
The striker was in the starting side against Brentford last weekend but could not prevent the Red Devils from suffering a 4-0 defeat to Thomas Frank‘s team.
Man United are allegedly looking to boost their attack by signing Ajax‘s Antony and PSV Eindhoven‘s Cody Gapko before the end of the summer transfer window, while Anthony Martial has also now returned to fitness following a hamstring problem.
