Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has asked about life in China more than once, according to former Brazil and Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
Ronaldo, 33, is still starring in Europe, having scored 37 goals in 35 games in all competitions for Madrid this season.
The Portugal international is contracted at the Santiago Bernabeu until mid-2021, with his next destination potentially China or MLS.
Scolari, who spent 2015-17 in China as coach of Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao, revealed Ronaldo had often asked about the country.
“Who has asked me more than once what life is like in China is Cristiano Ronaldo. Why can’t Cristiano Ronaldo go to China?” he told Esporte Interativo.
“I gave him all the instructions. And we also have to understand that China is China for different players.
“Cristiano Ronaldo has brands, an industry. And China is the largest country in the world.
“Then I told him what I always say: who receives an opportunity has to go to China.”
Real Madrid and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo again hit back at critics after winning yet another individual award.
Ronaldo was named the best Portuguese player of 2017 on Monday, beating Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patricio and Manchester City star Bernardo Silva.
The 33-year-old claimed a record-equalling fifth Ballon d’Or last year, having helped Madrid win LaLiga and the Champions League.
Ronaldo is finding form again late this campaign and the superstar forward dismissed his critics.
“I am grateful for this award to all those who are here, it is also an award for all my colleagues, 2017 was an excellent year, unforgettable both collectively and individually,” he said.
“I also won my fifth Ballon d’Or and my second The Best award. I also dedicate it to my four children. That’s another record – three children in three months.
“We have to defend what is ours because there is always a Portuguese in the fight.
“I always believe and say that I am the best, whatever they say, and then I show it in the field. We are in the fight year after year.”
Ronaldo scored 42 goals in 46 games in all competitions in 2016-17, while he has 37 in 35 so far this season.
