Cristiano Ronaldo was linked to Chelsea after his release from Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
William Gallas believes Chelsea missed a trick by not signing Cristiano Ronaldo after his release from Manchester United.
Ronaldo made a sensational return to Old Trafford in 2021 – 12 years after his initial departure to Real Madrid – but the move quickly unravelled.
Following an extensive interview with Piers Morgan, in which the Portuguese international claimed he had ‘no respect’ for manager Erik ten Hag, United’s hierarchy moved to terminate his contract in November of the following year.
Ronaldo was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea following his release from United but the forward eventually joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr where he has scored 42 goals in 50 games.
However, with summer signings Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson failing to establish themselves as reliable strikers, ex-Chelsea defender Gallas believes the club made a ‘mistake’ in not signing the now-39-year-old.
‘Chelsea made a mistake by not signing Cristiano Ronaldo,’ he said, speaking to Genting Casino. ‘He was available to sign and Chelsea would have been a good club for him.
‘Everyone knows how important Ronaldo can be in the dressing room, he brings a winning mentality and it could have benefited the squad. It was a mistake by Chelsea.’
Ronaldo’s second stint at United didn’t go to plan (Picture: Getty)
While Nkunku remains sidelines with another injury, Jackson continues to lead the line for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
However, Gallas believes Jackson needs to improve his goal return before the end of the season or find himself replaced in the starting XI over the summer.
‘We have to see how many goals Nicolas Jackson will score, he has eight at the moment,’ the Frenchman added.
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‘If Jackson cannot reach 15 Premier League goals or more, then Chelsea need a top striker, because at the moment they don’t have it.
‘Nicolas Jackson has to prove now. If he doesn’t reach between 15 and 20 Premier League goals, it will be difficult for him to keep a place in the team next season. Chelsea will sign a new striker.
‘He has to take his opportunities now, whilst he has them, he needs to work very hard and become more consistent. That’s what it takes to play at a big club like Chelsea.’
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