Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to leave the Red Devils this summer, former Arsenal defender, Bacary Sagna, has urged Manchester United to respect his wish.
Ronaldo rumoured interest in Chelsea was also backed up by Sagna on the condition that the project is good and he has a good connection with the Blues manager, Thomas Tuchel.
Ronaldo has reportedly told Man United he wants the club to consider offers for him this summer.
It has led to speculation over why the Portugal captain wants to leave Old Trafford, with many assuming it’s down to finances.
But Sagna disagrees, believing the five-time Ballon d’Or just wants to play top-level football as he continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea.
“Am I surprised? No, but only he knows if this is a real story. If it is true, I would not be surprised because he will want to compete at the highest level and I’m not sure what he has experienced at Manchester United is what he wants at this stage in his career,” Sagna has told Lord Ping.
“He is a football lover and he is a winner. I’m sure he would have been disappointed with the season that Manchester United had because United is a club that belongs at the top and they were not at the top.”
He added, “Ronaldo loves football before anything. If the project is good and he has a good connection with the manager, then why would he not want to go to Chelsea? All he wants to do is play football. It has nothing to do with money – he doesn’t need the money!”
“At his age, you have to respect that. He is an icon and he has changed the sport because of how he trains and how he lives his life off the pitch. Hopefully, we will see him competing with a top club next season because he deserves it.”