Javier Tebas welcomes Ronaldo's return to La Liga

JAKARTA - La Liga president Javier Tebas said he would welcome the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Spain following reports linking the Manchester United forward to Atletico Madrid.

The 37-year-old Portuguese has reportedly held talks with the club's top brass this week over his future. He told club officials he wanted to leave Old Trafford at the start of this summer.

Atletico have been mooted as a potential destination should Ronaldo eventually leave Old Trafford. But Tebas wants to see the former Real Madrid striker return to Spain's top flight.

"I want to see Cristiano Ronaldo in La Liga again," Tebas told reporters, quoted from ESPN, Thursday (28/7/2022).

"Whether it's worth it or not for Atletico Madrid, I don't know. There have to be some players who leave if they want to (sign him). To sign a player of that level, you have to give space (financially)," he explained.

Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, has a good working relationship with Atletico, but reports suggesting the Portugal international could join the club have fallen out of favor with the fans.

He has had a confrontational relationship with Atletico for nine years with city rivals Real, and supporters have called on the club to avoid signing him at all costs.

"Ronaldo represents the antithesis of the values that characterize our Atleti, such as the effort, generosity and humility of those who want to defend our values," read a statement from the Atletico Madrid fan association.

"Therefore, we ask the club to reject the possibility of his signing, if it has been considered," the statement continued.