Cristiano Ronaldo’s family ‘support Sporting Lisbon return’ and Nike link ‘could help seal transfer’

CRISTIANO RONALDO'S family are reportedly keen for him to return to Sporting Lisbon.

And the Portuguese superstar's sponsorship with Nike could help facilitate a move back home.

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The 36-year-old reportedly earns £14.7million a year to be the footballing face of the sportswear giants after signing a ten-year deal worth £147m in 2016.

reports that with Nike replacing Macron as the club's kit supplier next season the link could help facilitate a stunning return for Ronaldo - who left the club in 2003.

And claims the fact Ronaldo's mother Dolores Aveiro is a die-hard Sporting fan means she and his wider family are supportive of the move.

Ronaldo is said to be seeking an emotional return to his boyhood club when his time at Juventus comes to an end.

Italian journalist  claims the five-time Ballon d'Or winner is eager to see out his career with the Primeira Liga leaders once his contract in Turin expires next year.

Ronaldo joined the Sporting academy aged just 12 in 1997 but after debuting at 17, he played just one full season for the senior team in 2002-03.

After bagging five goals in 31 games, CR7 was famously signed by Sir Alex Ferguson for Manchester United after immediately impressing the legendary Scot in a pre-season friendly.

After Inter Milan claimed the Serie A title over the weekend to end Juventus' decade of dominance in Italy, Ronaldo is thought to be keen to return to Sporting in 2022.

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And despite the fact he would then be 37 years old, Ronnie is reportedly set on spending a further two years with his old side.

In another sign a move could be on the cards, Sporting renamed their academy after its most famous product at the back end of last year.

In September, they confirmed the youth set-up would go by the name of Academia Cristiano Ronaldo to honour 'the best player in the world'.

Ronaldo has also been linked with a move back to United and old side Real Madrid but it appears he could plump for home comforts.

With Juventus now battling to secure the riches of a Champions League spot despite winning nine Scudettos in a row, the Italian giants may be forced to offload Ronaldo and his astronomical wages from their books.

The Old Lady are third in the table, level on points with AC Milan who are in the crucial fourth qualifying spot, while Napoli are just two points back with four games to go.

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