Piers Morgan claims Ronaldo wants to quit Manchester United because of 'cocky, lazy younger players'

Journalist and broadcaster Piers Morgan has said that Cristiano Ronaldo wants out of Manchester United because they do not share his 'ferocious ambition'.

It emerged last week that Cristiano Ronaldo wanted out of Manchester United this summer, with a number of clubs said to be interested in his acquiring his services. The player reportedly wants to play out the final years of his career at the top of the game.

Tweeting about one of the biggest stories currently circulating in the football sphere, Morgan, who is a friend of Ronaldo's, said the player's 'will to win' is not matched by some of the 'cocky' and 'lazy' younger players in the squad.

He tweeted: 'Cristiano Ronaldo wants out of United because they don’t share his ferocious ambition & will to win.

'Especially some of the cocky, lazy younger players whose egos, unlike his, are writing cheques their performances don’t cash. That’s the real story.'

Since the story emerged on Saturday, originally in The Times, much of the debate surrounding Ronaldo's future has been centred on whether or not it would be a good move to grant his wish.

Ronaldo arrived to much fanfare last summer but his presence in the side was often at the expense of those 'cocky' and 'lazy' younger players who the club seemingly had plans to develop.

Ronaldo did not show for training for a second consecutive day on Tuesday. As it is, however, the club currently harbour no plans to sell the player.

It has been rumoured that Chelsea, under new owners led by American Todd Boehly, and Paris Saint Germain, looking once again at trying to claim their first Champions League crown, are interested in the player.

The Athletic reported last month that new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly met with Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes, where a move to Stamford Bridge was among the subjects they discussed.

It is said that talks have since continued between the US businessman and Mendes with Boehly and fellow director Behdad Eghbali thought to be interested in signing an iconic figure.

Thomas Tuchel is being given significant power over who the club bring in this summer, with Chelsea offering as much backing to their manager as they can. It will ultimately fall on his lap as to whether or not the forward moves to west London.