Mourinho rules out move for Ronaldo: 'Mission impossible'

Re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one thing. Bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Old Trafford is another.

On Saturday, one day after Jose Mourinho said it's "possible" that Ibrahimovic signs a new deal at Manchester United, the Special One declared the opposite while talking about Ronaldo, referring to a move for the Portuguese superstar as "mission impossible."

Ronaldo, whose contract with Real Madrid runs until June 30, 2021, is reportedly "outraged" and determined to leave Spain over what he perceives as unjust treatment from the country's tax authorities. The product of Sporting Clube de Portugal is accused of defrauding the Agencia Tributaria of €14.7 million from 2011 and 2014.

"We have never thought about it because he is such an important player for his club, of great economic power," Mourinho said, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson. "I am not a defender of my club once you waste time on players who are mission impossible."

Mourinho also provided an update on United's pursuit of Alvaro Morata, saying: "It is a question for Florentino (Perez). He belongs to Madrid. Madrid has decided and we have not come to an agreement. It is simple. It is a shame. It is a player who made it to the first team with me. We have a special liking for (him), he is someone special. I enjoyed watching his evolution in Juventus and Madrid. It is like that. I don't think he can end with us."

Real Madrid would apparently only permit the sale of Ronaldo if Los Blancos were to receive at least €400 million.