Barcelona rejected Ronaldo: Joan Laporta explains why

In the summer of 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo publicly announced his intention to leave Manchester United after the team failed to provide him with the opportunity to play in the Champions League. This caused the Portuguese superstar to start looking for a new destination, hoping to continue playing at the top. In that context, the news that Ronaldo could join a big club like Barcelona attracted the attention of fans and the media. However, Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, spoke up to explain why the Catalan club did not recruit the 37-year-old striker, and revealed Barcelona’s transfer decision in the summer. Today, with Premiumsoccertips, learn more about barcelona rejected ronaldo through the article below!

Barcelona rejected Ronaldo: Joan Laporta’s strategic reasons

Good relationship with jorge mendes

Joan Laporta began explaining Barcelona’s decision by highlighting the good relationship between the club and Jorge Mendes, Cristiano Ronaldo’s famous agent. Laporta affirmed that Barcelona and Mendes have always maintained a close and respectful cooperation. However, he also said that this relationship was not the decisive factor in recruiting players for Barcelona. The most important thing for the club was to make the right strategic decision, helping the team achieve its long-term goals.

Laporta did not deny that Ronaldo was an excellent player, but he said that Barcelona’s situation at the time was not suitable for recruiting the Portuguese superstar, especially when the team had specific plans for building the squad in the future.

Barcelona’s strategic decision

Laporta went on to explain that Barcelona decided to invest in Robert Lewandowski over Cristiano Ronaldo because they saw the Polish striker as a key addition to the squad in the long term. While Ronaldo was still in top form, Lewandowski was more suited to Barcelona’s footballing philosophy, especially the all-out attacking style that coach Xavi Hernandez was building.

The Barcelona president also said that Lewandowski not only had excellent goalscoring ability but also brought stability throughout the season, which Barcelona needed at the time. This was the main reason why Barcelona chose Lewandowski over Ronaldo, despite both being international players.

Ronaldo still in top form

Despite not signing Ronaldo, Laporta still had praise for the player’s ability. “Ronaldo is a professional and he is still in good shape even at 37. He is an ambitious player and I believe he will continue to have many options in the future,” he said. According to Laporta, Ronaldo’s brilliance cannot be denied, but Barcelona cannot base their decision on his name and reputation alone. Barcelona’s decision must be based on the strategic fit with the club’s long-term goals.

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Barcelona rejected Ronaldo: Respectful but not necessary

Ronaldo and Man Utd: A respectable career

Laporta insists that despite not signing Ronaldo, Barcelona still have a lot of respect for Man Utd, the team Ronaldo plays for. He admits that Manchester United is one of the top clubs he has always respected, and Ronaldo himself is a legend in the world of football. Laporta said: “I cannot help but respect what Ronaldo has achieved in his career. He is a great player, who has made his name at many big teams.”

Reasons for not recruiting Portuguese superstar

However, Laporta stressed that Ronaldo’s future does not depend on Barcelona, but will be decided by the player himself and Manchester United. Laporta insists that Ronaldo’s decision is not in his or the club’s hands, but is a story between Ronaldo himself and his parent club.

Ronaldo’s future and Barcelona

The Barcelona president went on to explain that while the Catalan club have no plans to sign Ronaldo, he believes the player will still find new opportunities in the future. “Ronaldo is an ambitious player who can play for many other big teams. His future will not depend on us,” Laporta added.

Although they did not sign Ronaldo at that time, Barcelona did not reject the opportunity to work with him in the future if the conditions were right. But given Barcelona’s current situation and strategy, they have made Lewandowski their priority.

Barcelona rejects Ronaldo: Long-term squad development option

Barcelona goal is to build a strong squad

Laporta explained that Barcelona’s decision revolves not only around signing famous players but also has to meet long-term strategic goals. Barcelona needs players who can help the team maintain stability and compete in top tournaments, especially La Liga and the Champions League. Lewandowski, with his leadership and skill, has been seen as a reasonable investment for Barcelona.

Did Barcelona reject Ronaldo? The decision to build a sustainable squad

Lewandowski: The right fit for Barcelona

In addition to his impressive scoring ability, Lewandowski also fits Barcelona’s style of play. As a striker who can join in the attacking play of his teammates, Lewandowski is expected to be an indispensable part of coach Xavi’s tactical system. Laporta believes Lewandowski can help Barcelona rebuild their great empire, something Ronaldo, despite his brilliance, is not quite suited to at the moment.

In Summary

Barcelona rejected Ronaldo was a strategic decision, reflecting the club’s preference for players who fit its football philosophy and long-term goals. Despite Ronaldo’s continued excellence and global superstar status, Barcelona have chosen Lewandowski because of his fit with the squad and development strategy. Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s future remains open, and he will surely find new opportunities that suit his personal ambitions and goals.