ARSENAL have been warned against completing a “disaster” of a free transfer for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old had his Manchester United contract ripped up following his explosive sit-down interview with SunSport columnist and TalkTV main man Piers Morgan.
In that interview, Ronaldo accused Man Utd of betrayal, while also declaring he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag.
Piers would like to see his pal join the team he supports, Premier League table toppers Arsenal on a free transfer, despite his disastrous World Cup which saw long-time rival Lionel Messi lift the glittering, golden trophy.
However, ex-Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn takes the opposite view to fan Piers.
Winterburn says five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo would be a “complete disaster” of a free transfer.
Speaking to Metro, Winterburn said on the 819 career-goal forward: “It’s a no from me and there’s only one simple reason; it would be a short-term gap to fill.
“A lot of people might say that’s great, let’s do it.
“I wouldn’t be able to argue with that, but I think the way Arsenal start games, they press high, they’re full of energy, and Ronaldo is an unbelievable player, but I don’t think he has the legs to be able to do that any more.
“I’m certain he doesn’t. I think Arsenal would have to change their style of play to bring him in, and I think that move would be a complete disaster.”
Ronaldo has returned to Europe after his World Cup woes.
The Portugal star scored just one goal at the winter tournament, which came in the first group game win over Ghana.
He was then dropped for the knockout stages and replaced by 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos.
But Portugal crashed out in the quarter-finals which a shock 1-0 defeat to dark horses Morocco.
Legendary Portugal boss Fernando Santos – won Euro 2016 – was then sacked as a result of the poor World Cup campaign.
Ronaldo has trained at former club Real Madrid’s training complex – but separately from Carlo Ancelotti and his team.
He is attracting heavy interest from the Middle East.
Marca claimed that Ronaldo had agreed a two-year deal that would see him earn a staggering £173million-a-year at Saudi Arabia side Al Nassr.
Manager Rudi Garcia said that he would be “delighted” to work alongside Ronaldo.
But chief Al Muammar revealed that he hasn’t even spoken with the legend.
He SSC Sports told “Cristiano was busy recently with the World Cup and I didn’t expect him to negotiate with anyone.
“We will not speak about other players, I wish the best to Cristiano with any decision.”
