Diego Simeone Denies Atletico Madrid Links to Cristiano Ronaldo, Rules Out Possible Future Move for Striker

• Diego Simeone has rejected any chance of Atletico Madrid signing 5-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo in the future
• Ronaldo was linked with a return to Spanish football ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, with Atletico Madrid reported as interested in the 35-year-old
• The Portuguese international wanted to play Champions League football this season ahead of going to the World Cup in Qatar next month

Cristiano Ronaldo will not get an opportunity to play for Atletico Madrid, after Diego Simeone squashed any hopes of the Portuguese star representing the La Liga side.

Ronaldo was heavily linked with the Rojiblancos during the summer transfer window, as the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner tried to engineer a move away from Manchester United.

Simeone has ruled out the possibility of Atletico Madrid signing Ronaldo however, for the reason that he has played for arch-rivals and current La Liga champions Real Madrid, Football Espana reports.

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“The rumours are far from what actually happened. People sometimes speak to tell what they want to, not what actually happens," he was quoted as saying.

“Ronaldo is an absolute benchmark for Real Madrid. I would not see Palermo playing at River Plate or Riquelme or Ortega at Boca. There are situations that are very clear.”

Ronaldo is regarded as a cult hero for Real Madrid after winning several trophies with Los Blancos, including 4 Champions League titles, defeating Atletico Madrid in two of those finals.

Joao Felix blamed for game time

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has suggested star player, Joao Felix is to blame for his lack of playing time this season, 90MIN reports.

Joao Felix has complained about not getting enough playing time under the Argentine manager this season, with the La Liga giants threatening to offload the forward in the summer.

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Felix has struggled to make an impact for Atletico Madrid this season and has played just 29 minutes over the last four matches.

Ronaldo’s Atletico move under threat

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Atletico Madrid supporters have made it clear to the club that they are not in support of the La Liga club trying to sign Cristiano Ronaldo this summer.

Ronaldo has been heavily linked with the Rojiblancos in recent days as the 37-year-old tries to initiate a move away from Manchester United this summer.

Atletico Madrid fans have now taken to social media app Twitter to voice their displeasure at their club - and have started a campaign using the hashtag ‘ContraCR7’.