Cristiano Ronaldo has left little doubt over what he wants to do in the minds of the Manchester United hierarchy after pleading to be allowed to leave the club once again.
The 37-year-old finally returned to United's Carrington training base this week after an extended summer break due to 'family reasons' with his agent Jorge Mendes in tow. Together, the pair held talks with United's board, including Sir Alex Ferguson, as they bid to come to a solution on his future.
United's stance from the outset has been that Ronaldo is not for sale and their position has been made easier by the lack of interest in the striker. But Ronaldo reportedly threw United a curveball by asking to be released from his lucrative contract a year before it expires.
According to The Mail, United swiftly rejected Ronaldo's wishes and reminded him that he remains part of their plans, as well as the fact that they are yet to actually receive any concrete offers for him from any other side.