Cerezo lifts lid on 2022 Cristiano Ronaldo rumours at Atletico Madrid

Enrique Cerezo has said Cristiano Ronaldo “could not have played” for Atletico Madrid, despite reports linking the former Real Madrid forward with a move to the Spanish club in the summer of 2022.

Ronaldo was unhappy with his return to Manchester United at the time, prompting his agent Jorge Mendes to explore possible destinations for the Portugal international during the transfer window.

Atletico were repeatedly mentioned in connection with Ronaldo, but Cerezo has now stated that the club was never a genuine option for the player.

Speaking to Kuwaiti programme Super, in comments published by Spanish newspaper Sport, Atletico president Cerezo addressed the speculation surrounding the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

“The truth is that Cristiano Ronaldo could not have played for us,” said Cerezo.

He added: “Ronaldo left Real Madrid because he wanted to continue playing.”

Ronaldo departed Real Madrid in 2018 and joined Juventus, where he spent three seasons. During his time in Italy, he won two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia.

Cerezo said the simplest choice for Ronaldo at that stage would have been to remain in the city where he was living, but the forward ultimately moved elsewhere.

“The easiest option for him was to stay in the city where he lived, but in the end he went to Saudi Arabia, where he is playing now,” said Cerezo.

The Atletico president did not refer to Ronaldo’s subsequent return to Manchester United before the player moved to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

Reports of a possible relationship between Ronaldo and Atletico had already been rejected by the player himself during the summer of 2022.

Ronaldo responded to reports on Instagram that he could join the Madrid club, writing: “It’s impossible that they don’t talk about me one day. Otherwise, the press wouldn’t make money. They know that if they don’t lie, they won’t attract people’s attention. Keep going, and one day you’ll get the news right.”

A few months later, in October 2022, Atletico manager Diego Simeone also denied that the club had any interest in signing the Portuguese striker.

The speculation came during a period of uncertainty over Ronaldo’s future at Manchester United. His agent Mendes was seeking potential alternatives, while reports continued to associate the forward with clubs across Europe.

Ronaldo eventually remained at Manchester United before leaving the club and completing his move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia. Cerezo’s comments underline Atletico’s position that, despite the widespread rumours, the Portugal international was never a player the club could have signed in 2022.