Man United transfers: We can’t afford to buy back Ronaldo, says Ferguson
Man United transfers: Sir Alex Ferguson says Red Devils can't afford the "hundreds of millions" it would take to buy Cristiano Ronaldo
Sir Alex Ferguson claims Manchester United would not be able to afford to buy back Cristiano Ronaldo from Real Madrid amid reports suggesting the forward could make a sensational return in the summer.
The Portugal international’s future at the La Liga champions has been a source of constant speculation this season, with Paris Saint-Germain touted as a possible destination for the 28-year-old.
With his compatriot Jose Mourinho looking increasingly likely to call time on his Madrid reign at the end of the season, there has been talk of Ronaldo moving back to United.
But Ferguson, who sold Ronaldo in a world record £80m deal in 2009, believes the Red Devils would not be able to afford the “hundreds of millions” needed to lure the Madrid man back to Manchester.
“If you were to buy him back, you are talking hundreds of millions,” Ferguson told the Sun.
“That rules everyone out, including Barcelona. I just can’t see it happening. Everyone talks about that but I don’t see it. Cristiano has more than two years on his contract and I think Madrid are trying hard to get him a new contract.
“He was still young when he left us. We should have asked for £150m. We would have got it, probably. It was obvious he was going to be the top player in the world.”
Ronaldo will face United for the first time since leaving the club when the Red Devils travel to Madrid for the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.
