Ronaldo to BVB? "Please stop"

Hans-Joachim Watzke put a stop to the rumors about Cristiano Ronaldo. "At first I was amused by these rumours, but now I should say something," said the CEO of Borussia Dortmund: "Cristiano Ronaldo and Borussia Dortmund - at first glance that's a charming idea. I love this player, he is one of the greatest the world has ever produced. The only catch is: there is no contact at all between the parties.”

Whether this is really true is at least questionable. "CBS Sports" had previously reported that Ronaldo wanted to switch to the Bundesliga club. As a source, the US portal had referred to the Portuguese's environment. "Bild" then reported that the player's agent Jorge Mendes had offered BVB Ronaldo. As a result, the BVB share price rose.

In any case, Watzke made it clear that there will be no change from the now 37-year-old superstar to BVB. Ronaldo, who is still under contract with Manchester United until the end of the season, is said to have an annual net salary of around 29 million euros. Even if he were willing to accept significant losses, he would hardly be able to finance it for Dortmund. "Please stop writing about this. Because that wouldn't do the player justice either," Watzke said on Friday at BVB's balance sheet press conference to journalists.

Watzke also announced there that the listed club would have to report a deficit of 35 million euros in the 2021/22 financial year. The reasons for this are the effects of the corona pandemic on the areas of ticketing, catering and transfers. In addition, a new, lower-paid TV contract had to be signed in the summer of 2021.

Nevertheless, there are also positive things to report, says Watzke. After the spectator restrictions were lifted, BVB "returned to its old sales strength". All home games are sold out until the Bundesliga break in November. In addition, according to Watzke, “the sponsorship is running at full speed”. BVB wants to be back in the black by the 2023/24 financial year at the latest.