Cristiano Ronaldo’s standing at Real Madrid isn’t the best right now. A poor season so far from the Portuguese star has seen a whole lot of love towards the player turn into resentment and mistrust from some.
This week there have been claims about Ronaldo wanting a return to Manchester United, which were largely met with rolled eyes in England. But in Spain it’s been met with a snap.
It’s El Confidencial with an article today putting Ronaldo very much in his place, and reiterating he’s told teammates he’d like a return to Manchester United.
The headline ‘The message of Florentino to Cristiano: you will leave when and where Real Madrid says’ very much sets the tone.
El Confidencial explain Ronaldo’s biggest problem at Real Madrid is he’s always yearned to be the ‘Messi of the Bernabéu’, wanting special treatment from the squad, management and fans. Basically, he wants the unconditional love the Argentine star has, and that’s never happened and is hardly likely to now.
When Messi had his tax issues, Barcelona fell over themselves to support him, even if it made the club look silly. When it happened to Ronaldo, Real Madrid distanced themselves.
El Confidencial also tell a story about a previous Ronaldo renewal, one of his first at Real Madrid. When a request for a pay rise was refused, it’s stated Ronaldo threatened to leave, which saw Florentino Perez tell him: “If you want to leave, bring me the money from your rescission clause and with that money I’ll sign Messi.”
That was taken a personal blow by the Portuguese, and put a crack in the relationship.
With Messi recently getting a huge new contract, and reports there’s extra payments to somewhat compensate the player for his tax losses, Ronaldo has reportedly wanted a new deal too, but Florentino Perez is set against it.
All of that has led to Ronaldo telling teammates about his Manchester United return wish, believe El Confidencial… who then add: ‘The president has warned Cristiano that he has a signed contract and that he will comply as long as it interests Madrid, in addition to emphasising that he will only leave when and where the club decides he has to go. In fact, Florentino is considering the possibility to include him in the signing of Neymar operation if the sheikh of PSG, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, was interested in taking the services of Ronaldo.’
To ram home Ronaldo’s current position at Real Madrid, it’s added: ‘Madrid is unwilling to spend more money on his card, precisely now that after thirty his football has lost effectiveness.’
Ouch. Who needs enemies.
Ronaldo probably realises he had something of a purer appreciation at Manchester United, but the return ship has now sailed. Even fans of the club are tired of constant links, feeling Ronaldo, or his agents, use United as a publicity lever for renewal talks.
Whereas Ronaldo’s Manchester United marriage was one of love, it’s now being suggested his Real Madrid marriage has been one of convenience… at least on the part of Florentino Perez.
