The truth about Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer to Juventus has just been brought to light. If there are still doubts surrounding the Portuguese footballer’s motivation to leave Real Madrid, El Mundo has now clarified everything.
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A decision made a year ago
Against all likelihood, Cristiano Ronaldo had already decided last September to leave Real Madrid. After a complicated summer which included problems with the Spanish tax authorities, CR7 had summoned his agent and his entourage for a meeting.
The player's goals were clear, he did not want any more problems of this kind. ‘I said I did not want any risks. I never studied much, the only thing I did in my life was play football, but I'm not stupid and I do not trust anyone. Whenever I hire an agent, I always pay them 30% more than they ask, because I do not want any problems,’ the player said, according to El Mundo.
‘It's not a question of money, it's status, and respect’
In addition to these tax problems that have personally affected him, Cristiano Ronaldo felt abandoned by his club. The 2016 European champion did not appreciate the lack of support from Real Madrid in his legal cases.
The cracks thus began to spread and Cristiano Ronaldo also felt aggrieved because of his status as the best player in the world, having won a fifth Ballon d'Or. ‘It's a lack of respect that I, the Ballon d’Or winner, earn less than Messi and Neymar,’ he said to his relatives. ‘It is not a question of money, it is status, and respect,’ El Mundo reported.
Cristiano Ronaldo, having seen his two rivals sign golden diamond-encrusted contracts, asked for £26.5 million in annual salary from Real Madrid. Unfortunately the Casa Blanca offered him ‘only’ £22 million. Not nearly enough according to him.
Always behind Di Stephano
As if that were not enough, Cristiano Ronaldo failed to overcome the aura of legend Alfredo Di Stephano. ‘They always put me behind Di Stefano, I do not know what else to do,’ despite a record number of club goals and four Champions League titles.
This case had so affected the player, that it also tried the patience of his coach, Zinedine Zidane. The Frenchman even stepped in with management ‘because he (Cristiano Ronaldo) did not talk about anything else in the locker room.’
In the end, the five time Ballon d'Or winner did not renew his contract and was transferred to Juventus for £88.5 million. When it comes to his salary, CR7 got what he wanted, i.e. £26.5 million net per year, for four years. It remains to be seen now whether he will show up earlier or in February as usual.
