Cristiano Ronaldo is 'soul' of Real Madrid and could retire at club, says Michel Salgado

ByEurosport

Updated 17/07/2017 at 10:26 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo could retire at Real Madrid because he is unlikely to leave the club for another European giant, according to his former team-mate Michel Salgado.

The 32-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation this summer, with many reports linking him with a move back to former club Manchester United.

However, Old Trafford manager Jose Mourinho ruled out a move for Ronaldo on Sunday and Salgado, who made 254 appearances for Los Blancos and won four Liga titles and two Champions League crowns, feels that Madrid is the only club for the forward.

Michel Salgado arrives for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2016 on January 9, 2017 in Zurich, Switzerland.

Image credit: Getty Images

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"I don't see Ronaldo with another shirt, at least in top football," he said.

Maybe he will retire in Real Madrid, and or maybe he is then going to try another league like the U.S., or something like that.

"But in top football, in Europe, I don't think Ronaldo is going to change clubs. I think he is comfortable in Real Madrid."

Salgado also believes that Ronaldo, who is the favourite for a fifth Ballon d'Or crown, has little room for improvement and has learnt to peak in the big matches.

"Right now, he is our soul", added Salgado. "He is the guy that we all look to when we are playing the big games.

"I think that is the thing that he learnt in the last year... he was ready to be Cristiano Ronaldo when we needed, in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.

"So I think he is saving the energy through the season. He is doing really well under the manager, and is physically very good. Maybe he cannot [increase his level] further, but obviously he is going to be really important for Real Madrid."

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