Cristiano Ronaldo on his way out: Where next for CR7?
With Juventus on the verge of missing out on Champions League qualification, their 3-0 defeat to Milan might not be the Italian giants' biggest loss of the season.
With a record 134 Champions League goals to his name, Cristiano Ronaldo sits 14 goals ahead of GOAT rival Lionel Messi. However, that lead could be quickly eroded next season, with Juventus looking in real danger of missing out on a spot among Europe's elite.
Fifth in Serie A, Juventus have three games left to reverse their European fate and with a crucial tie against newly-crowned champions Inter Milan on the horizon, it'll be a tough task for Andrea Pirlo's side.
Despite Juve's struggles, Ronaldo's league-topping 27 goals proves he is still a force to be reckoned with.
And, with the ignominy of the Europa League looming, Planet Sport takes a look at the likely suitors should Ronaldo decide to bid adeus to Turin this summer.
Manchester United (5/1 via Sky Bet)
A return to Old Trafford would be a fitting way for Ronaldo to see out his glistening career.
After spending six years at Manchester United, Ronaldo has often spoken of his adoration for the club, and in particular, Sir Alex Ferguson.
Despite his record-breaking £80million move to Real Madrid in 2009, Ronaldo left United on good terms, and has never ruled out a possible return in the future.
Playing under former team-mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will add to the nostalgia - the duo spent four years at Old Trafford together before the Norwegian's retirement in 2007.
United's post-Ferguson slump made a return difficult for Ronaldo. But with Solskjaer's side looking nailed on to secure second place and, more importantly, Champions League qualification, perhaps now is the ideal time for a Ronaldo reunion.
It would certainly answer United's need for a proven goalscorer.
Edinson Cavani's contract extension means United are already well-stocked for veteran attackers. But what better way to appease disgruntled United fans than teaming him up with a former United legend?
Real Madrid (10/1)
As well as club achievements, Ronaldo also celebrated numerous individual honours, including four Ballon D'ors. The temptation to add further honours at his former hunting ground may be too good an offer to refuse.
With 292 goals in 311 games, Ronaldo reached his prime at Madrid and cemented his place as one of the world's best. But despite enjoying success under the likes of Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti, his time under the tutelage of Zinedine Zidane stood out.
Madrid have struggled to replace the void left by Ronaldo, with recent galactico signings such as Eden Hazard struggling to live up to expectations.
Despite playing down the move, both Zidane and Ronaldo will be eager to return to their European heights. Ronaldo's return to Madrid might offer them both their best chance of adding to their Champions League collection.
Paris Saint-Germain (12/1)
After a Champions League semi-final exit at the hands ofManchester City, PSG's pursuit of the biggest prize in European soccer continues.
As a five-time Champions League winner, Ronaldo's proven track record could be the missing ingredient for a PSG side looking to break their duck.
And with money no issue for the French side, Ronaldo's availability would be music to Mauricio Pochettino's ears.
Admittedly, Juventus fell for the same trick. Their £86million acquisition of Ronaldo in 2018 has failed to deliver the Champions League trophy they craved.
But Juventus have struggled to build a team around Ronaldo, a task PSG are more capable of doing with the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and Neymar in their squad.
Neymar's new contract will keep him in Paris until 2025.
— Goal (@goal) May 8, 2021
Will PSG win the Champions League by then? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/U5p3UNaE90
Any MLS side (16/1)
Should Ronaldo decide against continuing his fine form in Europe, a move to the MLS could offer Ronaldo the chance of replicating and perhaps even eclipsing David Beckham's success in the US.
The potential for marketability and sponsorship is unrivalled and has proven to be a successful route for many legends of the game, including Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
While a move to the MLS wouldn't solve Ronaldo's void of Champions League soccer, it could be a perfect opportunity for him to add a Hollywood ending to his career.
Should Ronaldo decide upon a move to America, LA Galaxy's history of prestigious big-name signings make them a likely destination, but with Beckham slowly building his Inter Miami side, he'll also be in contention for CR7's signature.
Sporting Lisbon (25/1)
It's one for all the soccer romantics out there. After starting out at Lisbon at the tender age of 16, returning 20 years on would be nothing short of a fairy-tale ending.
Ronaldo initially joined Lisbon's youth set-up aged 12 when he was scouted and signed for a fee of £1,500. His meteoric rise through the academy was a sign of things to come.
At 16, Ronaldo was promoted to the Sporting Lisbon first team after manager Laszlo Baloni was, unsurprisingly, impressed with his dribbling skills.
After scoring three goals in his debut Primeira Liga season, Ronaldo made a £12million move to Manchester United and the rest is history.
Wolverhampton Wanderers (25/1)
Wolves' recent transfer model is focused on recruiting Portugal's best talents and Ronaldo would certainly fit that bill.
Hired in 2017, Nuno Espirito Santo has not only ended Wolves' six-year absence from the Premier League but established them as a top-flight club of some distinction
In his first two seasons in charge in the Premier League, Nuno propelled Wolves to consecutive seventh-placed finishes, a remarkable feat for a newly promoted side.
Portuguese wonderkid Fabio Silva becomes Wolves’ record signing ✨
— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 5, 2020
He’ll feel right at home 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/biCG3tPA05
The signings of Rui Patricio, Joao Moutinho, Ruben Neves, Pedro Neto and Nelson Semedo are just a few of the Portuguese additions that have transformed Wolves' fortunes.
Wolves have struggled to replicate their success this season and have slid down to 12th place, partially due to a number of key injuries, including a head injury to star striker Raul Jiminez.
There is simply no better goalscorer out there than Cristiano Ronaldo. And despite his arrival in Wolverhampton this summer seeming fanciful, Wolves' reputation for signing the cream of Portuguese talent sees them deservedly round off this list.