Manchester United playmaker Bruno Fernandes has made a perhaps surprising statement, admitting he would "be happy" if his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo decides to leave the club.
Throughout the transfer window, rumours have been swirling non-stop about Ronaldo's reported desire to leave Old Trafford for the second time in his career.
Despite his best efforts last season, the club had its worst-ever season in the Premier League, which saw the Red Devils miss out on UEFA Champions League qualification.
Now aged 37, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is understood to still be keen to compete for Europe's most illustrious titles, and his compatriot Fernandes has now advocated for the Real Madrid icon to do whatever makes him happiest.
"For now he is a United player, I don't know about his future, if he will leave or if he will not leave.
"As he said, he will speak soon and they will have time to hear his words and what he has to say.
"I don't think anyone has shown so far that there was no interest in Cristiano not staying.
"He can continue at a high level and give us a lot of goals but it's his decision.
"We have to respect what he wants to do, whatever he wants to do.
"If he's going to stay, we'll be happy about it, if he's going to leave because he thinks it's best for him, I'll be personally happy for him.
"The most important thing is that he's okay, at the highest level and make our country proud."
Ronaldo posted on his social media channels recently that he would soon provide clarity regarding the rumours that continue to surround his future.
With the Portugal international having only started one of United's opening three league matches under Erik ten Hag, most notably coming off the bench to play only four minutes in their win over Liverpool on Monday night, his time at the club will continue to be under the microscope until the end of the window.
