Cristiano Ronaldo, a Manchester United legend, is purportedly on the verge of joining Saudi Pro League rivals Al Hilal, but he has previously expressed his emotions about the contentious trade.

The Portuguese striker spent six years at Old Trafford, from 2003 to 2009, before returning for a brief stint in the summer of 2021. A little more than a year later, in December 2022, he signed a contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr until 2025.

According to Spanish source Sport, league rivals Al Hilal want to transfer striker Neymar in January after a lengthy absence due to injury concerns, and they plan to replace him with Ronaldo. The Brazilian joined the Saudi Pro League from French club Paris Saint-Germain in August of last year, but he only appeared five times in his debut season due to an ACL injury.

Ronaldo’s current team, Al-Nassr, has a long history of rivalry with Riyadh’s Al Hilal. The two sides last clashed in the derby at the beginning of the month, with a 1-1 draw at Al-Awwal Park.

Given Al-Nassr’s history with Al Hilal, the 39-year-old’s decision would appear to be surprising. However, Ronaldo has already gone close to joining one of Manchester United’s main rivals.

Back in 2022, while still in his second term at Old Trafford, Ronaldo revealed how close he came to joining Manchester City and working under Pep Guardiola. However, a discussion with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson made him reconsider the move.

“To be honest, it was quite close… It is something they spoke about a lot, and [Manchester City manager Pep] Guardiola mentioned two weeks ago, I believe, that they worked hard to get me,” Ronaldo told Piers Morgan in a TalkTV interview two years ago. “But, as you know, given my background with Manchester United, your emotions and feelings make a difference. Of course, Sir Alex Ferguson.

“I believe it was the key. It made the difference in that time, but I can not be loyal, and I would not claim Manchester City was not near. I chatted with Ferguson. He stated to me, “It is impossible for you to come to Manchester City.”

“And I respond, ‘OK, Boss.’” So I made the judgments, and it was a fantastic decision.”