Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid. A match made in heaven. But could it be heading for a messy divorce, and if so is there an English third party involved?
Ronaldo has been at his imperious best this season, scoring 44 goals in all competitions. He won the Ballon D’Or, and was acclaimed by most as the best footballer on the planet. But rumours persist that all is not well at the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo is used to being jeered by opposition fans, especially when at Camp Nou or San Mames. But a new phenomenon has started. CR7 now finds himself being booed by his own fans. During the 5-0 hammering of Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, significant sections of Las Blancos supporters booed their own man as he went on his trademark dribbles. A bemused Carlo Ancelotti said that the whistling and booing of Ronaldo was ‘incomprehensible’.
What’s gone wrong? Some Real fans seem to think that Ronaldo cares more about himself than the team. Despite his own superb tally, they feel that the team should be at the top of La Liga, not third. Put simply, they feel that Ronaldo’s selfishness is costing the team as a whole.
They may also be fed up of Cristiano’s histrionics on the pitch, something they see as unworthy of a team such as Real Madrid. And then, of course, they are worried that Ronaldo has fallen out of love with them. That he is looking for a new challenge.
Earlier this season, La Liga blog reported how Ronaldo had given serious thought to moving to Manchester United, http://www.laligablog.com/2014/01/11/ferdinand-begged-ronaldo-to-join-manchester-united/. Now, there is a growing feeling that Ronaldo could move this summer.
But it won’t be to Old Trafford. Ronaldo won’t countenance not playing in the Champions League. There are only three possibilities, and one in particular would increase the gloom hanging over the red half of Manchester.
Ronaldo would cost around €200 million. Only three clubs could afford that money, and his wages. Bayern Munich, at a push with the help of sponsors such as Adidas. Paris St Germain, and Manchester City. What a statement of intent that would be at the Etihad stadium. And, if the fans continue to turn on their talisman, it’s a scenario that’s looking increasingly possible.
