Is Cristiano Ronaldo Putting MLS on Hold?
By Ty Duffy
Cristiano Ronaldo has had quiet the past few months. He lifted the Champions League trophy with Real Madrid. He followed that by leading Portugal to a Euro 2016 triumph.
Ronaldo told the Portuguese media he plans to sign a contract extension with Real Madrid.
"“I spoke to the president on the phone and when I get to Madrid, we will talk about it. “Obviously it’s something I want, I have mentioned it many times, and the club also wants it. But we only spoke briefly, and there will be more concrete things to come.”"
Ronaldo’s present Real Madrid contract lasts through 2018. A contract extension could push back a potential arrival date in MLS. A source intimated to Grant Wahl last year Ronaldo would free transfer to an MLS club when his contract ends.
After the 2018 World Cup and his 33rd birthday would have been the rational time to make that move.
When Ronaldo does transition to semi-retirement, MLS may not be the destination of choice. Ronaldo has been expanding his brand into China. Judging from recent sums offered to other players, CR7 could have a stupid amount of money awaiting him from the Chinese Super League.