According to Napoli's sports director, Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was never a real transfer target for the Italian club during the summer transfer window. Despite reports that a number of clubs around the world were interested in signing Ronaldo, who had stated his desire to leave Old Trafford in search of Champions League play, Ronaldo was unable to clinch a transfer away from United. According to rumours, the Portuguese star was sought by Chelsea, Sporting Lisbon, Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Napoli.
Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo's agent, reportedly received a call from Napoli executives to discuss a potential deal. Cristiano Giuntoli, the club's sporting director, has now reaffirmed that a transfer for the 37-year-old was never planned. Ronaldo stayed at Old Trafford after failing to clinch a trade away from United and will be part of Erik ten Hag's squad until at least January.