Why Cristiano Ronaldo would risk everything by joining Manchester United - Quinn

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice for Real Madrid at Shakhtar last night

CRISTIANO ROANLDO would be risking everything returning to Manchester United, claims Niall Quinn.

 

Ronaldo, 30, is reportedly considering his future at Real Madrid.

The Portugal superstar was angry with his side’s 4-0 loss to Barcelona last weekend but scored a double in their 4-3 Champions League triumph at Shakhtar Donetsk yesterday.

And former Manchester City and Sunderland striker Quinn says Ronaldo may not benefit from coming back to Old Trafford.

 

“There is a risk,” Quinn told Sky Sports.

“The commercial guys would love it but I think his longevity staying at the top of his game for as long as possible would be better served by staying at Real Madrid.

“If he comes to United, he’s putting everything at risk.

“Stats will tell you, doing it for a second time at a club is difficult.”

 

Ronaldo is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain, who are reportedly prepared to pay him £250,000 a week after tax to lure him to Ligue 1.

It is understood Real want around £60million for their prized asset, who joined from United in an £80m deal back in 2009.

The arguments for and against returning to a former club are long - especially when the first stint was, as in Ronaldo case, so successful.

 

Robbie Fowler quit Liverpool for Leeds United back in 2001 and after a stint at City returned to Anfield.

The man the Kop called ‘God’ scored 13 goals in 18 months before leaving for Cardiff.

Thierry Henry, another high-profile example of a Premier League legend returning to their club, rejoined Arsenal for a brief period in 2012 and scored twice for the Gunners in seven appearances.

But neither Henry nor Fowler were in their prime when they came back and Quinn believes the risk of suddenly slumping would greatly impact on the rest of Ronaldo’s career.