When Cristiano Ronaldo would've considered joining Celtic

Cristiano Ronaldo to Celtic sounds like a bad attempt at starting a transfer rumour or the kind of move that might pop up in the 15th season of your FIFA career mode. But there was a time not too long ago when the Portuguese icon might have considered a move to Parkhead, or even Ibrox. At least that is the belief of Piers Morgan.

Most fans will remember the circumstances under which Ronaldo left European football. His return to Manchester United had promised so much. The Portuguese legend was seen as the final piece of the puzzle to take the Old Trafford club back to the glory days.

Instead, it turned out to be a bit of a nightmare. Ronaldo had a decent first season back in Manchester but the club clearly went a few steps back. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was shown the exit door as a result.

Eventually, Erik ten Hag would become Manchester United manager and it never seemed to click for Ronaldo under his management. Then came the infamous interview with Morgan and the exit to join Al-Nassr after his contract with the Premier League club was terminated.

When Cristiano Ronaldo would've considered joining Celtic

As reported by Glasgow World, Morgan appeared on talkSPORT in 2023 and was quizzed on Ronaldo’s transfer thoughts. He was asked:

"If the Scottish Premiership had the money that the Saudis do, would you have the same opinion if Ronaldo went to play there?"

Morgan seemed to believe that Ronaldo would have considered joining any team that had Champions League football:

"Ronaldo would have gone anywhere that had Champions League football. I know for a fact because he repeatedly told me what he really wanted to do was extend his Champions League career.

"He has most of the records in the Champions League and he wants to extend them, probably so that Messi can’t catch him and that he ends up as the GOAT of Champions League football. That was his motivating factor. I do believe that he’s driven more by records and legacy than he is by money."

The idea of Ronaldo joining Celtic seems very improbable. And yet, one would same thing about his move to Al-Nassr at one point. Not only did it happen but he has now spent two years there.

Now, Ronaldo joining Celtic would have been a huge commercial success for sure but would it have worked on the pitch? He is one of the greatest players in the history of the game and perhaps the best goalscorer we have ever seen. But his recent performances in the Portugal shirt do not fill you with confidence.