Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is one of the biggest football clubs in the world, known for their high-profile signings and star-studded roster. So when rumors started circulating about the possibility of PSG signing Cristiano Ronaldo for the 2021-22 season, fans around the world were eager to see the Portuguese superstar join the French giants. However, despite the speculation, PSG ultimately decided not to sign Ronaldo for the upcoming season. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. Financial Constraints: Even for a club as wealthy as PSG, signing a player like Ronaldo comes with a hefty price tag. Ronaldo’s contract with Juventus reportedly had a salary of €31 million per year, and he is also one of the most marketable players in the world. With PSG already having a number of high-earning players on their roster and the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic still being felt, it’s possible that the club simply couldn’t justify the cost of signing Ronaldo.
2. Age and Fitness Concerns: Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time, but he is also 36 years old. While he has shown no signs of slowing down, age is still a factor that must be considered when signing a player to a long-term contract. Injuries and declining fitness levels can come with age and could potentially hinder Ronaldo’s ability to perform at the highest level. PSG may have been wary of taking such a risk with a player at Ronaldo’s age.
3. Tactical Issues: While Ronaldo is a prolific goalscorer, he also requires a certain style of play to be effective. He is not known for his defensive abilities and prefers to play in a more advanced position. PSG’s star-studded attack already features Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, who both play in similar positions to Ronaldo. Signing Ronaldo could potentially disrupt the team’s balance or force the club to change their tactical approach.
4. Personal Preferences: Finally, it’s possible that Ronaldo simply wasn’t interested in joining PSG. Despite the rumors, there has been no public confirmation that Ronaldo was ever seriously considering a move to the French capital. It’s possible that he has other priorities, both on and off the field, that influenced his decision not to join PSG.
In conclusion, there were a number of factors that may have contributed to PSG’s decision not to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for the 2021-22 season. Finances, age and fitness concerns, tactical issues, and personal preferences all likely played a role in the decision-making process. While fans may have been disappointed by the news, PSG still boasts one of the strongest rosters in world football and is sure to remain a major force in the years to come.