Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a summer move away from Real Madrid and his mother would prefer a return to Manchester United over a switch to Paris Saint-Germain .
Having helped the Blancos to a third successive Champions League crown, the Portuguese went on to refer to his time at the Santiago Bernabeu in the past tense .
Transfer talk was immediately sparked, with Ronaldo offering contradictory messages regarding his future since then to keep the rumour mill ticking over .
Few clubs would be willing to put a deal in place were the exit doors to be opened in Spain, with only those with the deepest pockets capable of pulling off such a coup.
United and PSG would form part of that exclusive club and Dolores Aveiro has suggested to her son that a second stint at Old Trafford should be taken in if he really does want a fresh start.
She told SFR Sport prior to Ronaldo’s exit hint in Kiev: “I like Paris. I go there now and again.
“The last time was with my son when he won the Ballon D'Or. I felt very proud.
“Every time I go to Paris, everyone treats me very well.
“If I'm telling you the truth, I wouldn't mind, but I would prefer him to return to Manchester.”
Ronaldo told reporters after helping Madrid to a 3-1 victory over Liverpool when quizzed on where he will be for the 2018-19 campaign : “Money is not the problem.
“I have won five Champions Leagues and five Ballons d'Or. I had already made history, but now even more.
“I cannot guarantee anything. I'm not going to hide, in the next few days I'll talk... Life is not just about glory.”
A day later, as the Blancos paraded their Champions League crown through the streets of Madrid, Ronaldo appeared to have performed a U-turn as he told revellers: “It's a happy moment and we are very happy, too. Hala Madrid and nothing else!
“Thank you, guys. Until next year...”
Ronaldo’s Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale also revealed after claiming another major title that he will be weighing up his options this summer , with the Wales international another of those to have been linked with a move to United for some time.
Neither star turn has made a decision as yet, though, so the rumours appear set to rumble on until a definitive statement is made or a big-money bid tabled.