3 clubs Cristiano Ronaldo should have considered joining instead of Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo is a giant name in football. Having developed into a world-class player at Manchester United, his performances at Real Madrid made him a legendary player. He has won 26 trophies in his career, which includes 5 Champions League tittles.

Being the all time leading goalscorer for Real Madrid by scoring 311 goals in 292 matches, Ronaldo played an influential part in Real Madrid's 3 successive Champions League titles. He also, jointly with Lionel Messi, holds the record of winning the Ballon d'Or for a record 5 times.

Having single-handedly won the Euro 2016 for Portugal, Ronaldo was in scintillating form at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and scored 4 goals. His dream of winning the World Cup eluded him as Portugal crashed out in the Round of 16.

After almost 10 breathtaking years with Real Madrid, he has joined Juventus for €105 million. Despite joining Juventus for a fresh challenge, it would have been better for him if he joined his boyhood clubs or could have ventured into new greener pastures, like joining his former Manchester United teammate Wayne Rooney in USA or going to lucrative China.

Let us have a look at the 3 clubs Cristiano Ronaldo should have considered joining instead of Juventus.

#3 Sporting CP

Ronaldo started his career at Sporting CP

Sporting CP is one of the top clubs in the Primeira Liga. Along side Porto, Sporting is a dominant force in Portugal's club football. It has produced some of the greatest talents like Figo and Ronaldo.

Having played for Sporting in his youth, Ronaldo should have considered joining Sporting instead of Juventus. It would have been a good challenge for him to help dislodge Porto as the best club in Portugal currently, and help Sporting to mount a serious challenge for the UEFA Champions League Title.

Also, it could have been a homecoming for Ronaldo and the perfect place for him to ponder about his retirement in 3-4 years. Hence, Ronaldo should have considered joining Sporting instead of Juventus.

#2 Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain have won everything except the Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain was also a good option. Having large funds at their disposal, PSG would have given much more than €105 million. They could have also asked for a player swap involving Neymar, and hence Real Madrid would have got a well-established young superstar in place of their best player.

Having established itself as the dominant force in French football, Ronaldo could have been the best weapon for them. It would have made them invincible and removed any threat from other French clubs like Monaco and Lyon. It could have also been a challenge for Ronaldo to help Paris Saint-Germain win their first ever UEFA Champions League Title and hence establish the French club as a team to beat in Europe.

Hence, a move to Paris Saint-Germain would have been profitable for both Ronaldo and Real Madrid.

#1 Manchester United

Ronaldo made a name for himself at Manchester United

Manchester United is probably the second home for Cristiano Ronaldo

Having bought Ronaldo for €12.24 million from Sporting, he developed into one of the most prolific goal-scorer for United. He played a crucial role in United's treble victory in the 2008-09 season. Having developed into a world-class player, Ronaldo was sold to Real Madrid regrettably by Alex Ferguson at a then world record fee of £80 million.

With Manchester United going through a transition phase under Mourinho, Ronaldo would have been a solid addition in the United squad to help them become a dominant force again. Having finished 2nd behind league winners Manchester City, Ronaldo would have helped them to regain the Premier League title. Being immensely loved by the Manchester United supporters, Ronaldo could have truly enjoyed his remaining years in football as a player.

Hence, Manchester United fans will be disappointed that Cristiano did not choose to return back to the club which helped him to achieve world-class stature in football.