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Manchester United striker Cristiano Ronaldo posted a four-word message on Twitter ahead of the club's Premier League clash with Southampton on Saturday.
Interestingly, his post came just after the UEFA Champions League draw had concluded. Manchester United, who are playing in the Europa League this season, were not part of the draw.
Ronaldo is a five-time winner of Europe's elite club competition, having won four titles with Real Madrid and one with United. However, the Red Devils failed to qualify for this season's tournament.
This means the five-time Ballon d'Or winner faces the likelihood of not playing in the competition for the first time since 2003.
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Ronaldo posted an intriguingly timed picture on his Twitter just as Thursday's (August 25) Champions League draw had finished.
The caption read:
"Keep working and focused."
The veteran forward's future at Old Trafford has been under speculation all summer, with the player reportedly asking the club to let him leave in case of a suitable offer.
The former Juventus striker is understood to want to continue playing in the Champions League. Ronaldo only made his blockbuster return to Manchester United last summer from Juve for £13.5 million.
He scored 24 goals in 38 appearances across all competitions last season for United, including six in the Champions League.
The Portuguese is the current top scorer in the history of the Champions League with 143 goals in 180 appearances. However, he may find it difficult to now find a new club involved in the elite competition with interest in his services scarce.
Manchester United's stance throughout the speculation over his situation is that the player is not for sale.
It appears that the iconic forward will remain at Old Trafford and will have to make do with contending in the Europa League.
Cristiano Ronaldo could have success in Europa League with Manchester United
It may not be the competition Cristiano Ronaldo wants to play in, but the five-time Champions League winner could excel in this season's Europa League.
The Europa League draw takes place today, August 26 and United will find out what their group will look like for the upcoming tournament.
Ronaldo may still hold an interest given that the competition tends to throw up some surprises with regard to historic clubs going head-to-head.
The Portuguese was dropped to the substitutes bench by manager Erik ten Hag for Manchester United's win over Liverpool on August 22.
The legendary forward's time as the main starter at United is under threat and this may be the competition he consistently plays in.
He has a year left on his contract, with the option to extend for a further year. If Ronaldo wants to play in the Champions League this season, he will have to find a new club before the summer transfer window closes on September 1.
