CELEBRITY
Cristiano Ronaldo holds private meetings with Sir Alex Ferguson 
Speculation has linked Ronaldo with a swift exit just one year into his shock return to Old Trafford – but his old boss Fergie could have some part to play in keeping him in Manchester
Cristiano Ronaldo has discussed his Manchester United future with former boss Sir Alex Ferguson in a series of private meetings.
Mirror Football understands Ronaldo and Ferguson, who live close to each other in Cheshire, have enjoyed regular chats over cups of tea at their respective luxury homes throughout United’s troubled season.
Ronaldo has been a regular visitor to Fergie’s home while the legendary United boss has spent time with the striker and his family at the star’s own home nearby.
Ferguson, who first signed Ronaldo for United in 2003, was instrumental in the 37-year old goal machine re-joining the club in a £12.9 million move last summer.
The pair have always enjoyed a close relationship – and it’s believed Ferguson is keen for Ronaldo to protect his legacy by staying at Old Trafford next season
Ronaldo has delivered an outstanding season scoring 24 goals for United including hat-tricks against Tottenham and Norwich. His scoring heroics have attracted the attention of former club Real Madrid.
And although the Portuguese international has another year left on his deal – with the option of a third season – turmoil at United has led to speculation he may leave this summer.
It’s believed Ferguson would like Ronaldo to stay at least another season and the pair are understood to have chatted about how United’s season has imploded since the striker arrived from Juventus last summer.
Ronaldo has so far stayed quiet on his future plans with incoming new manager Erik ten Hag set to replace interim boss Ralf Rangnick and arrive at Old Trafford this summer. The star gave a clue he may stick around to see if he will play a part in ten Hag’s vision for a brighter United future after scoring in the 3-0 win over Brentford.
His goal celebration featured the attacker pointing to himself and then the pitch before completing his trademark ‘Siuuu’ pose. A leaked poster picture featuring Ronaldo advertising United’s upcoming tour to Australia also surfaced.
But Ronaldo is saying little about his plans with ten Hag said to be ready to implement big changes. Despite his age, Ronaldo is keen to play as many games as possible next season.
And that could lead to conflict if Dutch boss ten Hag only wants to use him sparingly as he builds for the future.
Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo crossed one billion followers across his social media accounts, aided by his newly-launched YouTube channel that has attracted more than 60 million subscribers in just over three weeks.
Ronaldo, who scored his 900th career goal last week to help Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the Nations League, is the first human being to reach a billion followers on social media, global media reports said.
“We’ve made history, one billion followers! This is more than just a number, it’s a testament to our shared passion, drive, and love for the game and beyond,” Ronaldo posted on X.
“You’ve been with me every step of the way, through all the highs and the lows. This journey is our journey… thank you for believing in me, for your support, and for being part of my life.”
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid player reached the milestone with over 639 million followers on Instagram, 170 million on Facebook and 113 million on X.
The 39-year-old topped Forbes’ list of highest-paid athletes this year, with off-field earnings of $60 million, boosted by his large social media following.
Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr will host Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Friday.
-Reuters
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo launched his YouTube channel on Wednesday and hundreds of thousands of subscribers signed up within a couple of hours.
The 39-year-old five-times Ballon D’Or winner plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr.
“The wait is over. My @YouTube channel is finally here! SIUUUbscribe and join me on this new journey,” Ronaldo posted on his social media accounts.
A couple of hours after posting his first video, 1.69M subscribers had joined he channel.
Ronaldo has 112.5 million followers on the X platform, 170 million on Facebook and 636 million on Instagram.
The former Real Madrid and Manchester United player is preparing for his team’s Saudi Pro League opener against Al-Raed on Thursday.
-Reuters
Inter Miami will be the last club Argentina captain Lionel Messi plays for, the 36-year-old forward said on Wednesday, adding he feels “a little bit scared” at the thought of the day he decides to retire.
Messi, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022, has a contract with the Major League Soccer side until 2025 following his arrival last summer after a spell with French champions Paris St Germain.
“Inter Miami will be my last club. I love playing football. I enjoy everything even more because I am aware that there is less and less left,” Messi told ESPN.
“I’m not ready to leave football. I’ve done this all my life, I love playing football, I enjoy training, the day-to-day, the matches… And yes, there’s always a little bit of fear that it’s all over.”
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi is preparing with his national team to defend their Copa America title, with the tournament kicking off on June 20 in the United States.
Argentina will take on Canada in the opening match before facing Group A rivals Chile on June 25 and Peru four days later.
-Reuters
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