In spite of ongoing rumours regarding his future with the English powerhouses, Cristiano Ronaldo has indicated he will play in Manchester United friendly matchup against Rayo Vallecano at Old Trafford.
The 37-year-old Portuguese forward wants to leave the team he rejoined last year, according to reports. He missed the club’s preseason tour to Thailand and Australia due to personal obligations.
The United team that travelled to Oslo on Saturday to play Atletico Madrid did not include Ronaldo.
However, he hinted on Instagram that he would play Rayo Vallecano, another La Liga team.
Ronaldo responded Friday to a comment made by a fan page about him missing the game in Norway by writing: “Domingo o rei joga,” which means “Sunday the king plays.”
According to United, there are a number of new signings on the list of the 21-man travelling squad for the Atletico game. While others are ill or injured, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen “will participate in Sunday’s game against Rayo Vallecano.”
Ronaldo was “not for sale,” according to Erik ten Hag, the new manager of United.
He said, “I’m looking forward to working with Cristiano Ronaldo. We are planning for him for the season and that’s it.
“I’ve read it, but what I say is that Cristiano is not for sale; he is in our plans, and we want success with him,” the speaker said.
With 24 goals last season, the former Real Madrid and Juventus player was United’s leading scorer.
A sixth-place finish in the Premier League prevented the club from earning a spot in the Champions League, making the campaign as a whole a huge disappointment for the team.
On August 7, United hosts Brighton in the Premier League opener for both teams.
