According to The Sun, that most impeccably honest of tabloid newspapers, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Manchester United for Real Madrid next summer.

The reason? Three little digits sent to the copyright office in Portugal last month.

The FIFA World Player of the Year's agent, Jorge Mendes, had the tag 'CR9' trademarked on his client's behalf in December - and that could spell the end of his career at Old Trafford, apparently.

Ronaldo currently operates under the 'CR7' brand, which are his initials combined with the shirt number he wears for both club and country.

But he would have to pick a different digit (or two, perhaps) if he moved to the Santiago Bernabeu, because legendary Blancos captain Raul already sports the No. 7 jersey.

Thus, the registration of 'CR9' - which Ronaldo can now use on merchandise, among other things - would seem to indicate that not only a change of number, but also a change of scene, is in the offing.

Furthermore, the current incumbent of the Merengues' No. 9 shirt - Argentine striker Javier Saviola - is expected to leave the club shortly after failing to make any real impact since joining from Barcelona.

It is a tenuous link on it's own, certainly; but combined with the recent reports of Madrid's preparations for a summer swoop, all signs suggest that the Spanish giants are finally getting somewhere in their pursuit of Ronaldo.

Mike Maguire, Goal.com

**please take all of this with a grain of salt**

 

The article is a bit confusing to me,
but if you ask me, I BELIEVE Christiano -Sooner or later- will move to Madrid...well, his character suits the club.
CR7 and CR9 brand, they will get over it, just like they got over Ronaldinho R10

 

I heard this from a coworker yesterday. I'm a fan of Ronaldo's and will watch him no matter where he plays. If he does leave, I'm sure Man United would be fine without him. Ronaldo does change the style of play, but Man United can overcome that. Ronaldo's dream is to play at Real Madrid, so it's really just a matter of time that he makes that happen.

 

The amazing thing about Man U is that they never play around the style of one player, that is why they are always able to replace big players once they leave. it will be the same with Ronaldo, he's a great player, but Man U will continue to be a contender without him.

 

If Ronaldo leaves, he's foolish. He's in a MUCH better position to win trophies by staying at United. If he joined Barca, that would make more sense to me. A move to Inter would make even MORE sense since he'd play for Mourinho, replace Figo, and join a team with the best pure striker in the world, Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Of course, I'm an Inter fan (except for their upcoming CL games).

 

IMO he can't find a better place than Man U mind you I'm not a Man U fan but its the truth. He'd clash with Mourinho at Inter. The only person that can control him is Alex Ferguson. If he moves to Madrid it will be the beginning of the end for him Look at what Madrid did to Robinho after being the best player for them in the 2007/2008 season(Madrid never lost a game that Robinho started that season) they were willing to trade him plus cash for Ronaldo. If Madrid do get him I promise you that will be the case with Ronaldo sooner rather than later they'll dump him for the next hot young player.

 

That's been Madrid's problem the last few years (since they bought Beckham). They refuse to keep a great coach (Del Bosque) and can't seem to grow talent after Raul, Guti, etc. I think Mourinho could keep Ronaldo in check, but he might not want to deal with it. As far as Man Utd goes, you might be right about Ferguson. Ronaldo HAS to to respect Ferguson - the man got him championships, bought good players, and didn't kiss his ass when he threatened to go to Madrid. Good call...

 

If he wants to be a star, he needs to stay put! If he wants to be just another cute name in a squad of names... and eventually make himsefl familiar with the bench as other names come in.... then he should move to the galactico!

 

Respectfully I disagree.

Ronaldo has already won everything there is to win with Man U and although he is a great player, history will always remember the accomplishments as a team effort.

If he moves to Madrid and is able to replicate the same types of results there (multiple league titles, Champions League, etc) he will go down in history as one of the all time greats.

As it stands now, he is a great player, on really great team, with a legend as his coach.

Remeber, nobody at Man U is ever bigger than Fergie.

 

I almost agree except if he were to move he'd need to go to a team that mimics ManU in terms of players and the role he'll play... Then he'd have to adapt his style to that league and still it would be a huge gamble if he'll succeed as he did at Manchester. I'm not trying to take anything away from CR he has won the 2008 individual awards deservingly but the coach, the team and the supporting players helped to put him there