Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Klopp digs at Man City over Ronaldo pursuit

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Friday, 27 August 2021 08:15

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said that a move for Cristiano Ronaldo is "not business for the future" and bemoaned that there "must be different ways" to build a successful team.

Sources have told ESPN that Juventus forward Ronaldo is close to agreeing a deal with City, paving the way for a return to the Premier League for the first time since leaving Manchester United in 2009 in a then-world record £80 million transfer to Real Madrid.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Don't have ESPN? Get instant access

However, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hinted on Friday the club could be interested in bringing Ronaldo back to Old Trafford, saying "he knows that we're here."

With Ronaldo, 36, earning in excess of £500,000-a-week at Juventus, his arrival at either Manchester side would mean a huge increase in the club's wage bill for a player with little or no resale value.

And Klopp, who has spent just £36m on RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate this summer, said he believes the prospective Ronaldo deal highlights the blueprint of some clubs being prepared to spend big for instant success rather than build over the long-term.

"I watched it [Ronaldo story] like a football supporter, but I have no knowledge about it," Klopp said in a news conference on Friday.

"It's not about me to judge that, but if other clubs can do it, it's not a business for the future, [the next] three to four years, it's about now and immediately.

"That's how some clubs are working and that's fine, but there must be different ways, clubs who look two or three years later and have success.

"It's not always with the best squad in the world, it's about developing as a squad and a club and that's what we have done.

"We have resources and have been building for a while. I have no time to look at other clubs. I see the news, but I have no time to think about what they can do.

"We brought in Konate. He wasn't a bargain, he cost money too. But all the offensive, attacking players other clubs are signing -- obviously they thought they needed it and they have the resources to do it, but we won't use it as an excuse."

This summer transfer window has seen some of the game's biggest stars move clubs, with Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain, and sources have told ESPN that Madrid are edging closer to a deal for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe.

The commercial impact of those deals is huge for the parties involved, but Klopp says that he has yet to be asked to do a transfer for its commercial value to his club.

"I think with Messi and Ronaldo especially, there might be a commercial aspect of it, of course," Klopp said. "But I don't think PSG bought Messi for commercial reasons. Maybe yes, I don't know.

"They brought him in because Messi still has a lot to give for the football team and that's it. If Cristiano comes to the Premier League, that will be the first intention as well in that case.

"Nobody came to me for me to ever have to make a commercial signing, whatever that means.

"Nobody asked me about that and if that was to come, I would start thinking probably, but so far it never happened."

Read 199 times

Soccer

Alves reports for weekly Barcelona court visit

Alves reports for weekly Barcelona court visit

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Brazil footballer Dani Alves on Thursday checked in at a Bar...

Fulham stadium plans include rooftop pool

Fulham stadium plans include rooftop pool

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFulham have unveiled lavish plans for their redeveloped Riverside S...

Liverpool, Utd campaign to combat tragedy abuse

Liverpool, Utd campaign to combat tragedy abuse

EmailPrintLiverpool and Manchester United have jointly launched an education programme through their...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

Basketball

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

MPJ defends brother amid betting investigation

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDenver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. said Wednesday night that...

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

Rockets, with play-in in sight, win 10th straight

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOKLAHOMA CITY -- Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta, front offic...

Baseball

'He looks happy': Has Juan Soto finally found a home with the Yankees?

'He looks happy': Has Juan Soto finally found a home with the Yankees?

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsWHEN JUAN SOTO began to initiate himself with the New York Yankees,...

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

Athletics' Andújar has surgery, could miss month

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsOAKLAND, Calif. -- Athletics outfielder Miguel Andujar had surgery...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated