What Cristiano Ronaldo thought about joining Rangers and Celtic as Portuguese icon returns to Glasgow.

He is one of the world’s most famous athletes, but might Cristiano Ronaldo have played for Rangers or Celtic in the not-too-distant past?

Through his time with Real Madrid, Manchester United, the Portuguese national team, and others, CR7 has established himself as a football hero, with a trophy collection most can only dream of and an eye-popping goal tally. He is in Glasgow tonight with Portugal as the Al Nassr star prepares to face Scotland in the Nations League at Hampden.

Ronaldo has previously visited Glasgow, having met Celtic in the Champions League when playing for Manchester United. But could he have worn the Hoops or Rangers blue before departing his second term at Old Trafford?

Before his unexpected resignation, Ronaldo spoke with Piers Morgan in an explosive interview about how his relationship with the Red Devils had deteriorated. Morgan came on talkSPORT in 2023 and was asked about Ronaldo’s transfer plans, including an amusing Glasgow quirk.

She asked, “Can I give you a quick scenario?” Would you have the same opinion if Ronaldo went to play in the Scottish Premiership if it had the same money as the Saudi Premier League?”

That produced a startling reaction: Ronaldo WOULD have explored Rangers or Celtic because they could provide the Champions League play he needed. Instead, he has spent the last few seasons in the Saudi Professional League.

According to Morgan, Ronaldo was willing to play in any Champions League match. I know this because he frequently informed me that his ultimate goal was to extend his Champions League career.

“He possesses the majority of Champions League records and wants to increase them, most likely so that Messi cannot reach him and he is crowned the greatest player in Champions League history. That was his motivating element. I believe that he is motivated more by records and legacy than by money.