Cristiano Ronaldo ‘snubbed’ by former Manchester United team-mate as Lionel Messi transfer favored

David de Gea has turned down the chance to join former team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia and could instead join forces with Lionel Messi in Major League Soccer.

The 33-year-old former Manchester United goalkeeper remains a free agent after leaving Old Trafford in the summer and has been linked with a potential signing for a number of clubs. De Gea has recently been linked with a return to United to provide cover for Andre Onana, who is due to fly to the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

De Gea is likely to continue to attract interest, with a move overseas appearing to be the most likely move for the former Spain international – but a reunion with Ronaldo in the Middle East is definitely out of the question.

De Gea has rejected a lucrative offer worth £500,000-a-week from Ronaldo’s current club Al Nasr, according to a new report from The Sun. De Gea’s wife Aidurne is said to be not keen on moving to Saudi Arabia, meaning the experienced goalkeeper will not link up with the ambitious Saudi Professional League side.

While De Gea will not join Ronaldo in joining Al Nasr, he does have other options. The opportunity to join forces with Messi at Inter Milan in Miami did appeal to De Gea, who is also admired by Valencia. However, their interest may be tempered by financial constraints.

De Gea has been hanging out with a number of his former team-mates in Manchester in recent weeks, sparking speculation about a return to Old Trafford. Two weeks ago, he responded to reports linking him with his former club with a cryptic post on social media.

De Gea looked set to extend his 12-year spell at Old Trafford, but Hag opted to make a change and pursue Onana. De Gea surprised many by confirming the news in an emotional social media statement.

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His statement read: “I feel immense pride every time I put on this jersey, lead this team and represent this institution. The biggest club in the world is an honor bestowed only on a lucky few footballers. Since I arrived It has been an unforgettable and successful period since arriving here.

“I didn’t expect, when we left Madrid as little boys, that we would be able to achieve what we did together. Now, it’s time to take on a new challenge and push ourselves again in a new environment. Manchester is always there In my heart, Manchester shaped me and will never leave me.”

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