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Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus: Man Utd boss Jose Mourinho factored Neymar into thinking
CRISTIANO RONALDO left Real Madrid for Juventus this week - and Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho was never interested in an Old Trafford homecoming because of Neymar.
Ronaldo to Juventus was confirmed earlier this week with the 33-year-old bringing the curtain down on his stunning Real Madrid career.
The Portugal international has moved to Serie A after nine years in La Liga, with Manchester United never pursuing an emotional Old Trafford return.
And the Manchester Evening News say Neymar factored into Mourinho’s thinking on Cristiano Ronaldo.
He was reportedly wary of chasing Ronaldo just in case the player used them as a ploy in contract negotiations.
United had been used by Neymar when he left Barcelona for PSG 12 months ago.
The player’s entourage gave the Red Devils hope of a deal with Ed Woodward interested in bringing the Brazilian to the Premier League.
However, Neymar ended up signing for PSG and United feared Ronaldo would use any interest for his own agenda.
As a result, The MEN claim United chose to opt against pursuing Ronaldo’s signature.
And comments from his agent, Jorge Mendes, suggest that the Red Devils have now missed out on his client for good.
Mendes said: "I'm very happy for Cristiano,
"Juventus will be his last club and I'm glad he has made this decision. With this team he'll close out his marvellous career.
Juventus FC announce the signing of Ronaldo
"I thank [Juventus president] Andrea Agnelli in particular for his determination and his willingness to negotiate with Real Madrid.
"And I also thank [Juventus general manager] Beppe Marotta for his professionalism."
Ronaldo will officially be presented as a Juventus player on Monday after completing his medical.
At £88million, he is the Serie A giants’ most-expensive signing of all time.
Gonzalo Higuain, who signed from Napoli in 2016, previously held that mantle.