Madrid, Nov 7 (IANS): Real Madrid’s star forward Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday said he is “definitely thinking” of leaving his club for a year and play Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
"I am not closing the door on any league anywhere in the world," Ronaldo was quoted as saying by goal.com. "I'm definitely thinking about playing in the USA for a year. I've always said living and playing there is a possibility."
The Portugal captain has been heavily linked with his former club Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain. But his “possibility” of playing in the US might come as a surprise to many including his agent Jorge Mendes who had earlier on Friday said that the 30-year-old would retire from Real.
“He will finish his career at Real Madrid, for sure," Mendes had said.
Recently the MLS has seen a galaxy of superstars including the likes of David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo.
Ronaldo left United for Real in 2009 for a then-world record fee of 80 million pounds (approximately $120 million), and he says he is still in contact with the footballers from United who played alongside him.
"There (in United) I was treated in the same way as a son is treated by a father," he said.
"I had some incredible moments. I'm still in touch with (Rio) Ferdinand, Nani, Anderson, (Nemanja) Vidic, (Patrice) Evra... and with (Ryan) Giggs, who is now the assistant manager. I have some amazing memories."
Ronaldo also praised the English Premier League (EPL) crowd saying that they were incredible.
"They are incredible. For me, they are some of the best in the world. They are polite, they respect you, they motivate you and they cheer you on. I love them," he said.