There has been much talk in the Spanish press recently about star striker Cristiano Ronaldo, and how he is not happy at Real Madrid.
With even speculation that last year’s leading scorer could be on his way back to his former Premiership club Manchester United.
A worrying sign for Madrid was Ronaldo’s reluctance to celebrate either of his goals with any enthusiasm during their 3-0 win over Granada.
After the game the former Manchester United striker said: ‘I’m sad – when I don’t celebrate goals it’s because I’m not happy.
‘It’s a professional thing. Real Madrid know why I’m not happy.’
The Portugal captain refused to elaborate on the reason for his unhappiness, with Barcelona fans claiming he is just sulking because Inesta won player of the year over him despite Madrid winning the League, and him being the leading goal scorer.
There is also the fact that there are ten other players making more money than Ronaldo, and he could feel that despite all he has done for the club they do not appreciate him.
The fans however have little sympathy for a footballer who makes $15 million a year, especially in Spain where over a quarter of the country are unemployed.
Club president Florentino Perez says that he is sure Cristiano does not want to leave the club.
Los Blanco’s manager Jose Mourinho has declined to discuss Cristiano Ronaldo and the reasons as to his ‘sadness’ at Real Madrid.
The Portuguese coach was not happy when pushed by reporters for a response about Ronaldo going public over his unhappiness at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After being asked about the issue in his position as coach and general manager, Mourinho said that he was not going to say anything about this, but a reported from Spanish newspaper AS asked again.
“Excuse me, but this interview is quite interesting,” he stated when pushed with a second question about Ronaldo…
“I am here to talk about everything and I have responded with in-depth answers and with sincerity.
“But do not ask me about Cristiano. You should understand me. I ask that you do not insist on an answer.”
Meanwhile, Perez has tried to talk down the reports that the 27-year-old Ronaldo wants to leave the reigning La Liga champions.
“If he wanted to leave he’d have said so when the transfer window was still open,” President Perez told Marca.
“There are other reasons behind it.”
Real Madrid teammates are rallying around the striker to express their support for him.
“I don’t know why Ronaldo has been feeling sad,” Karim Benzema said during a press conference at the French national team’s training ground. “I haven’t really followed the story but I haven’t seen him unhappy. We have a great relationship and I didn’t see him any different last week than usual.”
While the European season is just getting under way most sources say it is just Ronaldo trying to secure himself a more lucrative contract with Real.
It is just a shame that some of the highest paid sports stars in the world have to revert to behaving like a child who knows that if he sulks enough or throws a tantrum that he will get his way in the end.
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