“Cristiano Ronaldo would be at Barnsley if he came into the game today” - Football agent makes emphatic claim on Portugal captain

Football agent Barry Silkman reckons Cristiano Ronaldo would be playing for League One club Barnsley, in the third tier of English football, if he came into the game today. He justified his bold statement by explaining how modern coaches at elite clubs wouldn't approve of Ronaldo's stepovers and dribbles.

Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting CP in 2002 before joining Manchester United a year later. The Portugal ace soon established himself as a world-class winger at Old Trafford and was renowned for his flair and dribbling, as well as his pace, agility, and goalscoring ability.

However, Silkman believes Ronaldo would struggle to have the same freedom to express himself on the pitch in today's age due to coaches implementing restrictive systems that prioritize passing. During an interview with The Telegraph, he said (via Tribuna):

"Cristiano Ronaldo would be at Barnsley if he came into the game today. They'd be saying to him 'what are you doing? All these stepovers and flicks? Pass the ball!'"

Ronaldo currently represents Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. The 40-year-old is still going strong and has excelled this season, recording 11 goals and two assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.

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"I was gutted!" - Football agent Barry Silkman explains how Chelsea snubbed signing Cristiano Ronaldo before Manchester United transfer

Football agent and negotiator Barry Silkman has revealed that Chelsea rejected the opportunity to sign Cristiano Ronaldo for €3.5 million back in 2003. Despite doing a deal with Jorge Mendes at the time, the Blues snubbed the transfer, leading to Ronaldo joining Manchester United for a reported fee of £12 million on August 12, 2003.

During the aforementioned interview, Silkman stated (via GOAL):

“I did a deal with [Ronaldo’s agent] Jorge Mendes. But Chelsea said no. Cristiano Ronaldo was €3.5m and the deal was everything over that was split 50-50 with the club. He played against Man United pre-season, ruined them and straight after the game they paid €11.5m and Jorge must have stuck four million in his pocket. Good luck to him but I was gutted!”

Ronaldo repaid Manchester United's trust for the next six years, establishing himself as one of the best players in the world. He garnered 118 goals and 68 assists in 292 appearances across all competitions, helping the Red Devils win nine trophies.