UEFA called to intervene if Cristiano Ronaldo joins Man Utd or Tottenham

Ronaldo: All you need to know about Man Utd-linked star

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Former Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has urged UEFA to take action if Cristiano Ronaldo completes a stunning move to either Manchester United or Tottenham in the coming weeks. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s future at Juventus looks far from certain after he asked to be benched for his side’s Serie A game against Udinese on Sunday.

The 36-year-old – who came on as a second-half substitute in his side’s 2-2 draw – has been strongly linked with a move away from Turin this summer, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season.

An emotional return to Manchester United has been one of the most talked-about potential destinations for the Portuguese star, while some reports have even touted him with a stunning switch to Spurs.

However, in an interview with Reif ist live, via OK Diario, Rummenigge said he would be far from impressed if Ronaldo does go for a second stint in the Premier League – insisting it would only go to demonstrate the massive financial gulf between the top-flight English division and others in Europe.

“Cristiano Ronaldo? The biggest problem is the question of who can pay his salary,” Rummenigge said. “He earns €70m per year gross, which is €35m net. Who can afford it? PSG or an English club.

“It is not a very healthy way to progress, and I would call on UEFA to do something.”

“We need precise regulations because if not costs will go up again. Intervention is necessary or football will have to face a very, very difficult time.”

There has been a clear gap in spending between the richer and not so wealthy clubs so far this summer.

French giants PSG have splashed out on Lionel Messi’s astronomical wages, and have also signed the likes of Sergio Ramos, Gini Wijnaldum and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

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The likes of Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have also all spent over £100m, whereas in Spain and Germany the top clubs are being more frugal.

It remains to be seen where Ronaldo ends up, but he recently released a statement it would not be Real Madrid, who were believed to be desperate to take him back to the Bernabeu.

He said: “My story at Real Madrid has been written. It’s been recorded. In words and numbers, in trophies and titles, in records and in headlines. It’s in the Museum at the Bernabeu Stadium and it’s also in the minds of every fan of the club.

“And beyond what I achieved, I remember that in those nine years I had a relationship of deep affection and respect for ‘merengue afición’, an affection and respect that I retain to this day, and that I will always cherish.

“I know that the true Real Madrid fans will continue to have me in their hearts, and I will have them in mine.”

Juve boss Max Allegri, meanwhile, played down suggestions Ronaldo could depart before next year.

“[Ronaldo] has never expressed a desire to leave,” he said.

“He has told me that he’s staying, so we can clear that one up.”

Juve are next in action on Saturday when they face Empoli looking for their first win of the season. 

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