Sports Illustrated has hinted on Tuesday that Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo would take his game to Major League Soccer (MLS) when his contract with Real Madrid expires in 2018, brushing off earlier reports that the three-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner would take a return trip to Manchester United to finish off his career.
Rumor has it that Ronaldo would play out the extension he signed with Real Madrid in September 2013, and then pack his bags to go offshore with New York, LA and Miami as potential landing destinations. If this move comes to pass in 2018, Ronaldo will be joining other world-renowned footballers like David Beckham, David Villa, Kaka, and soon to follow, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard- all have found a new playing field in the United States.
Despite the looming player strike brought forth by salary issues, MLS managed to attract caliber players like Kaka who, according to Eurosport, receives $7,100,000 per year, making him the current highest paid player in the league. And should Ronaldo pursue his plan, he would likely demand the same amount if not more.
Major League Soccer had its beginnings in the United States when FIFA awarded the U.S. Soccer Federation the right to host the 1994 World Cup in exchange for the establishment of Division 1 Professional Soccer League. Now, the league has expansions in Canada and has lured international players, with David Beckham being the first in 2007. Currently, the league has 20 teams with two new expansions joining this year.