Cristiano Ronaldo has a contract with Manchester United until 2023.

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, at the center of rumors of a possible departure fueled by his absence from Manchester United’s tour of Thailand and Australia, “is not for sale,” his coach Erik Ten Hag insisted on Monday that counts on the Portuguese for the next season.

“Cristiano is not for sale, he is part of our plans. I am preparing for next season with him,” said the Dutch coach in Bangkok, where his team faces Liverpool on Tuesday (1:00 p.m. GMT). The five-time Ballon d’Or did not take the plane with his teammates on Friday, due to a “family problem”, according to his club, although the English press has been talking for weeks about his desire to change scenery this season.

The 37-year-old striker, with a contract until 2023, would have expressed his desire to be transferred, when the “Red Devils”, disappointing sixth in the Premier League the previous year, will not play the Champions League this year.

“I have spoken with Cristiano before this issue (of his departure, NDLR) was raised. We had a very good conversation,” said Ten Hag, who begins his new duties with Manchester United.

The future of “CR7” could depend on the reconstruction initiated by the former coach of Ajax Amsterdam, who wants reinforcement “in midfield and in attack.”

“We have a good squad, with potential. If there is an opportunity to strengthen, we will take advantage of it,” said the Dutchman, without commenting on the rumor that Frenkie de Jong, the FC Barcelona midfielder, is courted by the English club. After Liverpool in Bangkok, their first pre-season friendly, the “Red Devils” will continue their tour in Australia, until July 23.