Why Thomas Tuchel opposed CR7’s Chelsea move in summer 2022

Warum Thomas Tuchel refused to let CR7 join Chelsea, a decision that reshaped the striker’s career path after his contract with Manchester United was terminated at the end of 2022 following a controversial interview with Piers Morgan.

Contract termination and Saudi move

After the interview, the contract of the Superstars Cristiano Ronaldo was dissolved in late 2022. Within weeks the Portuguese forward signed for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, a move confirmed by Eddie Keogh/GettyImages.

The Athletic later reported that Ronaldo could have left Manchester United earlier and for a higher fee, but the interview accelerated his exit. Wie The Athletic explained, the termination paved the way for the Saudi deal.

Chelsea negotiations and Tuchel’s veto

In the summer of 2022, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly met Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal and became obsessed with bringing the Superstar to Stamford Bridge, a Premier League rival of Manchester United.

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German coach Thomas Tuchel, who had led Chelsea to the 2021 Champions League title and now manages the England national team, made his opposition clear. He told Boehly repeatedly that he would not want the Portuguese Star in his squad.

Bo​ehly, forced to respect his coach’s wishes, withdrew the mega‑transfer, leaving the deal off the table.

Aftermath and internal fallout

The aborted signing strained relations at Chelsea. Boehly also failed to deliver several of Tuchel’s desired signings – Matthijs de Ligt, Raphinha, Frenkie de Jong and Presnel Kimpembe – while the million‑pound transfer of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City proceeded without dispute.

The rift proved irreparable; Tuchel was dismissed in September 2022, only months after his veto. Ronaldo departed England shortly thereafter, heading for the desert with Al‑Nassr.