Bayern Munich sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has rubbished talk of the Bundesliga champions making a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has told Manchester United he wants to leave this summer due to dissatisfaction with the club's transfer business and a desire to play in the Champions League.
But Bayern have ruled themselves out of any battle for the Portugal captain's signature, with Salihamidzic telling German TV channel Sport1:
"I have a lot of respect for Cristiano Ronaldo, his successes and his career Hasan Salihamidzic – but once again: [this] is not a topic for us."
Salihamadizic's remarks follow those made by chief executive Oliver Khan earlier in the month. Khan said:
"As much as I appreciate Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the greatest, a transfer would not fit into our philosophy."
With Robert Lewandowski on the verge of completing a switch to Barcelona, Bayern are set to have a big hole to fill up front (although they have already signed Sadio Mane from Liverpool).
Ronaldo won't be their next superstar goalscorer, though, meaning uncertainty over the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's future lingers.
However, United boss Erik ten Hag revealed this week that Ronaldo – who is not with the team on their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia – has made no mention to him personally of wanting to depart Old Trafford. Ten Hag said:
"I didn’t speak to him after [Ronaldo revealed that he wants to leave]; his absence is a personal issue.
"We are planning for Cristiano Ronaldo for the season and that’s it and I’m looking forward to working with him. I have read [about his wish to leave], but Cristiano is not for sale; he is in our plans and we want success together."
