Cristiano Ronaldo: I will never forget the Red Devils
Ronaldo’s future at Real Madrid was a source of much discussion over the summer, with the 32-year-old hellbent on securing a move away.
The former Manchester United star was accused of tax evasion and, as a result of the accusations, was keen on a move to England.
And Spanish outlet Diario Gol claims Messi knew Cristiano Ronaldo had made a return to Old Trafford among his No1 priorities.
However, Jose Mourinho was not interested in re-signing the player, dashing the hopes of many supporters in the process.
It is said that Ronaldo sounded out both Manchester clubs about a move.
But, like Mourinho, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola was also reluctant to try and sign the wing wizard.
Messi was supposedly aware of all this, with the Argentina international always keeping up to date with the movements of his main rival, and expected one of the two English juggernauts to end the player’s La Liga stint.
Diario Gol add, however, that Ronaldo himself had not made a return to Old Trafford his preferred destination.
Instead, he wanted to become the talisman of Paris Saint-Germain.
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Barcelona News: Lionel Messi was aware Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to join Manchester United
PSG smashed the world transfer record by investing a huge £200million in Neymar, who arrived from Barcelona.
And that transfer supposedly ended the player’s hopes of making the move to the Parc des Princes.
Meanwhile, United legend Edwin van der Sar has revealed Ronaldo would often practice free-kicks with him during their time in England.
“Off the field, Ronaldo was focusing on everything extensively, such as resting up properly and strengthening his body,” Van der Sar told Four Four Two.
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Barcelona News: Cristiano Ronaldo spent six years at Manchester United before joining Real Madrid
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“After training sessions he would often work on his free-kicks and then come to me and say: 'Edwin, can you go in goal?'
“I’d say I was old so he would be better off using one of the youth team keepers, but he would insist I went in goal as he wanted to score past me.
“I would tease him a lot and say things like: 'You won't score against me, Ronnie, you know it. Ask the reserve goalie, that's better for your confidence.'
“He'd get agitated and reply: "No, no. You've got to go in goal!’”
