What's eating Ronaldo?

Share this:

The story is similar to the one we've heard many times before—Ronaldo, Galactico superstar and Ballon D'Or winner, is unhappy at Real Madrid. For someone who earns as much as he does, he's apparently unhappy rather often. His discontent often manifests as links to other mega-rich clubs in the press, only to eventually lead to a new contract. After repeated assurances that he's still the best, he usually declares that he was never unhappy in the first place. This 2017 iteration has an added drama—Ronaldo actually has a legitimate reason to leave this time.

The charges

The Portuguese superstar has been accused of using an offshore shell corporation in the British Virgin islands to mask his image rights income. According to Spanish prosecutors, Ronaldo defrauded the government of almost €15 million between 2011 and 2014. Lionel Messi has been accused of a similar infraction, albeit for a third of the amount. Over the past couple of years authorities in Spain have attempted to crack down on players using a variety of tax avoidance measures. The difference between Messi's case and Ronaldo's is that the latter faces several 'aggravated' charges, meaning he would go to the jail if convicted. It's no wonder he wants to leave Spain.

Destination?

Ronaldo is the first or second-best player in the world—any club would love to have him. However, only the richest could afford him. Despite being 32 years old his transfer fee would break the world record and then some. His wages would probably have to be either higher or on par with the club's highest earner too. Manchester United is the obvious choice, given Ronaldo's long-standing affection for the club. The theatrics and drama of a move back to Manchester would not be lost on agent Jorge Mendes either—a move for his client would become the sporting story of the year and front-page news. Ronaldo himself has said on the record that, "Manchester is in my heart...the supporters are amazing and I wish I can come back one day."

It isn't a done deal just yet though. PSG would be able to foot the bill and can offer a route to Champions League glory, while Chelsea have emerged as potential rivals for his signature too.

Real Madrid's efforts

The Spanish club aren't going to let Ronaldo go without a fight. Florentino Perez, the President of Real Madrid, insisted that although he didn't know the specifics of Ronaldo's case with the tax authorities he was certain of his innocence. The non-committal responses he gave at a press conference this week will have set nerves jangling. Already there are rumours that Madrid may offer to pay Ronaldo's outstanding tax bill in an attempt to convince the forward to stay in Spain.

The Portuguese's release clause is set at a billion euros, but a mooted price of €150 million has been suggested by the papers. Manchester United are rumoured to be willing to include David de Gea in any potential deal for Ronaldo, but if Madrid were to lose their superstar they would surely look to replace him with a player of exceptional stature. De Gea may not be enough. The truth is this story is shrouded in uncertainty and will probably rumble on all summer.

Photo by Ludovic Peron