Cristiano Ronaldo is plotting a sensational return to British business with plans to bring his booming hotel and bar empire to the UK once he finally hangs up his boots.
The Manchester United icon, now 41 and still starring for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, is said to be laying the groundwork for a major expansion of his CR7 branded leisure ventures.
Sources close to the Portuguese superstar have told The Sun that Britain is firmly on his radar as he looks to cement his legacy beyond football.
Ronaldo teamed up with Portuguese hospitality giant Pestana in 2016 to launch a chain of Ronaldo themed hotels and bars.
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The partnership operates under the Inverse by Pestana CR7 banner across Portugal and has now moved to register its trademark in the United Kingdom, fuelling speculation that venues could soon open on British soil.
One insider said Ronaldo sees the UK as ideal ground.
“Cristiano makes smart business decisions. Other footballers have shown there is a strong market. He has the funds and the global image to dominate it," they said.
Cristiano Ronaldo is plotting a sensational return to British business with plans to bring his booming hotel and bar empire to the UK once he finally hangs up his boots
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Ronaldo remains adored in Manchester despite his turbulent second spell at Old Trafford, which lasted just 18 months.
The city, where he first became a global superstar, is viewed as a natural landing spot should he decide to launch a flagship bar or hotel in the North West.
Former teammate Gary Neville has already proved the concept works, running Hotel Football in the shadow of United’s stadium.
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With an estimated fortune that already stretches into the hundreds of millions, he continues to diversify his portfolio across fashion, fitness and hospitality.
The business manoeuvring comes amid fresh drama in Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo recently ended a brief but explosive stand off with Al-Nassr.
The veteran forward missed two Saudi Pro League matches and an Asian Champions League fixture against Arkadag amid concerns about how the club was being run.
After talks and reassurances, Ronaldo is set to return for Saturday’s league clash with Al-Fateh.
He appeared to signal his comeback on social media, posting training images captioned “locked in”.
Al-Nassr won all of their matches while Cristiano Ronaldo was on strike
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Al-Nassr can climb to second in the table and move within one point of leaders Al-Hilal with victory.
Officials had grown increasingly concerned that Ronaldo’s absence was damaging the image of the league and, by extension, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious football project.
Ronaldo is believed to have been frustrated by what he perceives as uneven financial backing compared to rivals Al Hilal.
Both clubs are majority owned by the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. Insiders insist funding structures are fair and point out that Al-Nassr have already spent around £100million this season.
Al-Hilal strengthened in January and saw Karim Benzema hit a hat-trick on his debut in a 6-0 thrashing of Al Akhdoud, further intensifying the title race.
Despite reportedly earning around £500,000 per day, Ronaldo still has 18 months left on his contract, which includes a £43m summer release clause.