Diego Simeone has denied ever talking to Cristiano Ronaldo about joining Atletico Madrid after rumours a few months ago suggested that the Manchester United superstar could join Los Rojiblancos.
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The 37-year-old attempted to leave the Red Devils ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, with Atleti among the clubs that were tipped to be interested in his signature.
Chelsea and Bayern Munich were also rumoured to have been potential suitors, but it was Los Rojiblancos many believed to be closest to securing the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's services.
It was claimed, at the time, that Ronaldo had been impressed by Simeone's eagerness to work with him, but it was also said that the chances of the transfer materialising rested on Antoine Griezmann's future before the Frenchman committed to a permanent contract with the Madrid-based club.
Simeone has since said he never held discussions with the former Real Madrid No. 7, insisting he could not imagine the Portuguese representing Atletico due to his closes ties with their city rivals.
"I never talked to Cristiano Ronaldo to come here, never," he said, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
"Just like I don't see myself training Real Madrid, I don't see Cristiano at Atletico Madrid either."
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Ronaldo has scored two goals and assisted one further strike in 12 appearances across all competitions for United so far this season.
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