Cristiano Ronaldo’s near two-decade long relationship with agent Jorge Mendes ‘falling apart’

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s near two-decade relationship with Jorge Mendes is reportedly starting to fall apart, with the player and agent seemingly disagreeing over his next destination.

The Portuguese superstar is looking for a new club after his Manchester United contract was terminated in the wake of his controversial interview with Piers Morgan.

Spanish publication AS have reported tension between Ronaldo and Mendes has ‘rocketed’ over his future, and that clubs are ignoring Mendes and going straight to the player to discuss a potential move.

The 56-year-old super agent has represented Ronaldo ever since he left Sporting Lisbon to join Manchester United in 2003.

One interested party in Ronaldo’s services is reportedly Antero Henrique, head of the Qatar Stars League.

Henrique is said to have gone straight to Ronaldo to express an interest in bringing him back to the gulf nation following the World Cup.

He is hoping Ronaldo will join a Qatari club but Mendes is working on a different proposal, the report claims. 

Ronaldo is looking for a new club after Portugal’s World Cup exit and leaving Man United

Ronaldo (R) has been represented by Mendes (L) since he joined Manchester United in 2003  during his first spell at Old Trafford when Sir Alex Ferguson (centre) was at the helm of the club

There had also been reports that Ronaldo could join Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on January 1.

But sources close to Ronaldo told Sportsmail reports of a deal being complete were ‘nonsense’. 

AS claim that Ronaldo and Mendes are going through another ‘rocky spell’ in their longstanding relationship.

This wouldn’t be the first time there have been strains in their partnership, as what has felt like a ‘father and son’ relationship has experienced ‘ups and downs’ over the years.  

Ronaldo has reportedly been approached by Antero Henrique, the head of Qatar Stars League

A similar situation happened before when Ronaldo left Juventus. The Portuguese stars financial demands don’t help if he wishes to remain in Europe.

Ronaldo kissed goodbye to £16million after leaving his £500,000-a-week contract at Man United seven months early.  

The 37-year-old effectively forced through his exit following his controversial interview with Piers Morgan, in which he said he felt ‘betrayed’ by the club and ‘didn’t respect’ the manager, Erik ten Hag. 

The forward turns 38 in under two months time, a key factor as to why his options appear to be limited. 

Ronaldo scored just one goal at the World Cup and was dropped after the group stage.

But he did equal the men’s international appearance record in the defeat to Morocco, earning his 196th cap for Portugal – a career which includes 118 goals.