Man Utd transfers: Gill refuses to comment on Ronaldo speculation

Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with a move away from Madrid Photo: The Sport Review

Manchester United chief executive David Gill has refused to comment on speculation linking Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo with a return to Old Trafford.

The Portugal international’s future has been a source of constant speculation this season despite having a contract with Los Blancos until 2015.

The rumours stem from Ronaldo’s admission in September that he was “sad” in Madrid “for professional reasons”, sparking reports of a sensational return to the 19-time English champions, or a move to Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain.

The 28-year-old scored 118 goals in 292 appearances for the Red Devils, winning three Premier League titles and the Champions League, before completing a world-record £80m transfer to Real Madrid in 2009.

In December, Sir Alex Ferguson admitted that he would love to re-sign Ronaldo, but Gill would not speculate on United’s chances of tempting the former Sporting Lisbon man back to Old Trafford.

“He is a brilliant player but he is contracted for the next two-and-a-half years at Madrid,” said Gill.

Ronaldo will return to United for the first time since swapping Manchester for Madrid when José Mourinho’s men take on three-time European champions in the Champions League second round in February.

And Gill expects the former United star to get a warm welcome at Old Trafford.

Gill added: “We are looking forward to welcoming him back, he will get a great reception at Old Trafford in early March and that is all we have got to say.”