What Ronaldo wants is not money, he already has everything when it comes to money. But he still insisted on wanting to play in the Champions League. For a Ronaldo, money is not everything but his prestige on the football stage must continue to shine. That is evidenced by his ambition that offers to every club that plays in the Champions League to be able to take it. Ronaldo doesn't want his reputation to be pursued by Messi, because currently, Messi is still productive and better than Ronaldo in his old age. Therefore Ronaldo was determined not to be left behind.
Messi is in a different league and club competition. we can't compare the two for this.
yes, Ronaldo does not consider money for him. there was even a rumor regarding a lower salary for a club willing to take him.
Ronaldo had stayed at Manchester United last season with poor form from the team. they didn't play in the Champions League this season. but Ronaldo's ambitious attitude seems to make many clubs not too interested in him.
although I believe Ronaldo can still perform quite well, but not sure that he can compete with the young players at this time.
Ronaldo decided to stay at Manchester United because the other options he had didn't offer potential upgrades. To be honest, those are actually downgraded. Moreover, he did not want to downgrade himself.
But the mistake he made was that he expressed his want of leaving Manchester United. And that's why the club has also lost confidence in him.
So now he is in the worst situation that he could have been. He couldn't make any move to get out of Manchester United and at the same time, he also could not do anything about not being in the starting 11 at Manchester United. At this point, I don't think it is a question of competing with Lionel Messi. At this point, it is about Cristiano Ronaldo's survival.