Atletico Madrid president reveals truth behind Cristiano Ronaldo transfer talks in 2022: ‘He left Real Madrid because…’

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has addressed reports that the Spanish club explored the possibility of signing Ronaldo in 2022.

Updated on: Aug 14, 2026, 09:56:10 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Cristiano Ronaldo has been linked with several clubs during his European career, having represented Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus across the top five leagues. In 2022, however, his second spell at Manchester United was heading towards an unhappy ending following his falling-out with then-manager Erik ten Hag. Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, explored possible options for the Portugal captain as he looked for a way out of Old Trafford. Despite being linked with several clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Ronaldo ultimately left Manchester United midway through the 2022-23 season. He then made the move to Saudi Arabia, joining Al Nassr, where he has continued his career after leaving the European football circuit.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in 2022. (AFP)

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has addressed reports that the Spanish club explored the possibility of signing Ronaldo in 2022.

"The truth is that Cristiano Ronaldo could not have played with us," The Atleti president said as Sport newspaper carried his remarks from an interview with the Kuwaiti programme Super, where he addressed the Ronaldo talk.

He continued: "Ronaldo left Real Madrid because he wanted to keep playing."

After an incredible career at Real Madrid, Ronaldo moved to Turin to join Juventus and won two Serie A titles and the Coppa Italia there before making a sensational return to Old Trafford but it didn't work out well for him.

Cerezo added: "The easiest option for him was to stay in the city he was living in, but in the end he went to Saudi Arabia, and that is where he plays now."

Ronaldo marries Georgina

Ronaldo recently married his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez in a private civil ceremony in Cascais, Portugal, according to his management. The 41-year-old football star and Rodriguez, 32, have been together since 2016 and made their relationship official with an engagement announcement on Instagram exactly a year before their wedding. Ronaldo confirmed the marriage by sharing a picture of their hands, showing their wedding bands. The ceremony was described as private and intimate, with the couple’s five children in attendance. Ronaldo, one of football’s most decorated players, has won major honours during spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus before moving to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Nassr. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to enjoy a prolific career with the club, while building a family life with Rodriguez away from the pitch.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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