Nani explains why Man Utd must keep Cristiano Ronaldo

The winger offered his verdict of claims that CR7 wants to leave Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo is an important player for Manchester United and ‘always makes a difference’, according to former teammate Nani.

After United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League, Ronaldo reportedly wants out. The 37-year-old has asked the Red Devils to let him leave if they receive a suitable bid. He wants to continue competing at the highest level and has already rejected two offers from Saudi Arabia and the United States.

But Nani, who played with Ronaldo at United and the Portuguese national side, hopes the forward will stay as he is an important member of the team.

The moment @luisnani stepped out as a @gomvfc player for the very first time 🤩

Nani debuts: https://t.co/UQqowM2vts #WeAreALeagues pic.twitter.com/eZ1CPnNjBS

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 15, 2022

“I hope [he stays],” said the new 35-year-old Melbourne Victory signing, who faced his former club at the MCG on Friday.

“He’s an important player and a player who always makes a difference. I hope he’s in a good mood to help the club, so hopefully [he’ll stay].”

Asked if he has talked to Ronaldo, Nani replied: “When he’s on vacation, he doesn’t answer the phone to anybody. I tried to talk to him, but he said: ‘I’m so busy now, we’ll talk soon.’”

United have insisted that Ronaldo is not available for transfer, while manager Erik ten Hag confirmed the forward is part of his plans for the upcoming campaign in a press conference last week.

The Premier League side will take on Crystal Palace in a friendly in Melbourne, Australia, on Tuesday afternoon.