“Chelsea had a great opportunity to sign Cristiano Ronaldo” - Ex-Blues star makes bold claim on former club missing out on Al-Nassr superstar
Former Chelsea defender William Gallas believes the Blues missed out on the opportunity to sign Cristiano Ronaldo a couple of years ago. The 39-year-old joined Al-Nassr in January 2023 after having his contract mutually terminated at Manchester United.
Gallas claims that this would have been an ideal time to snap up the services of the Portugal international. However, there were concerns that Ronaldo's form wasn't the greatest at the time, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner netting just once in 10 Premier League appearances in the 2022/23 season.
Regardless, the ex-Blues man claims that signing the former Real Madrid striker would have made a difference at Stamford Bridge. He told Genting Casino (via FourFourTwo):
"Chelsea had a great opportunity to sign Cristiano Ronaldo but they missed out. Two years ago, it would have been great for the club, but now he's 39 and the intensity of the Premier League would be too much for him."
Gallas' comments seem reasonable after Ronaldo has shown that he can still find the back of the net with regularity. In the 2023/24 campaign, he made 45 appearances across competitions for his current employers, bagging 44 goals and 13 assists.
Moreover, Chelsea have struggled to find the perfect number nine in recent times. Nicolas Jackson has failed to live to expectations, while Armando Broja is yet to come of age.
Going into the new Premier League season, they could choose to deploy Christopher Nkunku in the position as well.
Wayne Rooney says Chelsea target reminds him of Cristiano Ronaldo
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea and Arsenal target Nico Williams reminds him of a young Cristiano Ronaldo. The Spain international is also being chased by Barcelona this summer.
Williams was brilliant at Euro 2024, bagging two goals and an assist, helping La Roja claim the trophy at the end. Speaking to The Times in July, Rooney said (via Metro):
"Williams, for me, is exceptional. He reminds me of Cristiano Ronaldo, when Cristiano was young. He's a big lad, he'll take the ball and sometimes tries too much but usually makes the right decision. He is an incredible threat in one-on-one situations and scores goals as well."
Last season, Williams made 37 appearances across competitions for Athletic Bilbao, bagging eight goals and 19 assists. He has three years left on his current deal.