Cristiano Ronaldo, the star Manchester United forward, is looking to move from the Premier League side in hopes of competing in the Champions League. There’s only one problem. The 37-year-old Portuguese is having trouble finding a club that agrees to take him on.

Most recently, Ronaldo dismissed rumours that he’d rejoin Sporting Lisbon, his former club, as “fake”. However, he’s not had much luck trying elsewhere and remains discontent with his situation at United, though former Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, has noted that he’d like to play with the talismanic goalscorer. 

For now, the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner has faced a slew of rejections from Europe’s top clubs. Here’s all who turned down Cristiano Ronaldo and why. 

1. Bayern Munich 

Ronaldo was linked to the Bavarian giants, especially with the news that Robert Lewandowski’s set to depart. Who better than the Portuguese goalscorer to take over from the Polish striker?

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However, Ronaldo isn’t getting any younger and a player of his stature demands a hefty salary. These factors impacted Bayern’s decision, and the Bundesliga club decided to turn down a potential transfer, with CEO Oliver Kahn saying Ronaldo wouldn’t fit the club’s philosophy. 

2. Paris Saint-Germain 

PSG is one of the biggest clubs in the world right now and an absolute monster in Ligue 1. With the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar Jr, and Lionel Messi making up the attack, the club has its sights set on Champions League success this season. 

Ronaldo, who wants the thrill of the CL, tried at the French club too, but they aren’t very keen on adding to their firepower, considering the arsenal already at their disposal. Ronaldo’s hefty fee played a role here too since the Qatari-owned side didn’t want to add another star with a big salary to the payroll. No dream Messi-Ronaldo linkups yet! 

3. Chelsea 

Ronaldo was also linked to Chelsea, the London club which is now under new ownership. Despite Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes meeting with club owner Todd Boehly, the deal didn’t materialize. 

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The Blues are looking for a poacher after Romelu Lukaku’s return to Inter. However, coach Thomas Tuchel said that though Ronaldo was considered, he wasn’t a top priority, making it clear that Chelsea’s transfer goals are currently different. 

The club also needs to focus on its defenders, having lost many after a financial freeze left the PL side unable to renew contracts.