Atletico Madrid supporters have taken to social media in their droves to protest the potential signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the RojaBlanco fans getting ‘#ContraCR7’ trending across Twitter as reports linking them with a move for the former Real Madrid man persist.
Ronaldo has yet to rejoin his teammates for pre-season, despite being due back two weeks ago, and was omitted from United’s travelling squad to Bangkok and Australia.
Erik ten Hag was quick to deny that a departure was in the works, stressing that his key asset is not for sale this summer.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 26: Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Watford at Old Trafford on February 26, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
“Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale, he is in our plans”, he told the media. “He’s not with us due to personal issues. We are planning with Cristiano Ronaldo for this season, that’s it”.
The Dutchman then added that he is “looking forward to work with him”, allaying potential fears that the 37-year-old may not be in Manchester come transfer deadline day.
However, while United are steadfast in their unwillingness to sell the veteran, Spanish outlet AS reported that the star ‘insists’ on a departure, and that Atletico Madrid could be one destination for the former Real Madrid forward.
Reports even suggested that the forward was willing to take a significant paycut in order to leave Old Trafford this summer, such is his desperation to remain playing Champions League football.
This link, however, caused significant backlash online.
Atletico fans start ContraCR7 campaign
Atletico Madrid have never been fans of Ronaldo by virtue of him playing for their biggest rivals, but also due to his incredible record against Diego Simeone’s side. In 31 games against them for Real Madrid, Ronaldo netted 22 goals and grabbed 9 assists, including a goal in the 2014 Champions League final between the sides.
Moving to Juventus, he then netted a second-leg hat-trick against his former rivals, overturning a 2-0 first-leg deficit to send the Turin side to the quarter-finals of the tournament.
And, as can be seen below, the Rojablanco faithful have not forgiven, nor forgotten.
#ContraCR7
It’s better to lose than win with this guy pic.twitter.com/7qhF03xr1c— lewan duffy (@a1a2show) July 25, 2022
Another wahala for Cristiano Ronaldo as Atletico Madrid fans took to social media saying the club shouldn’t sign Ronaldo
The furious fans took to Twitter with the following hashtag #SerClub #ContraCR7 Imploring the club not to sign him. Some of the fans are even threatening to pic.twitter.com/sQfRpJUspW
— Temitope (@IamTopsy4real) July 25, 2022
Prefiero perder con Carlos Martin que ganar con el portugués ese. No hagáis el ridículo! #ContraCR7
— Hiba (@HibaNara) July 23, 2022
#ContraCR7 #ContraCamiseta #ContraGilismo pic.twitter.com/2f0A87JS5J
— Palindron (@Palindron) July 23, 2022
Read more:
Monday’s transfer rumours- Ronaldo, De Jong, Saka, Milinkovic-Savic and more
Transfer expert provides Cristiano Ronaldo future update
