da premier bet： There seems to be some form of satisfaction from Cristiano Ronaldo at present. Maybe it’s only temporary; we don’t know when the Portuguese will find something to disgruntle him and force a year-long will he, won’t he saga in the press. But the contract extension at Real Madrid helps, all €17 million of his new deal that takes him up to 2018 with the club. It’s what Real Madrid wanted and desperately needed.
da leao： Are we so quick to forget that this is the same player who pushed for a move out of Manchester United to join a club who, like with many players, were labelled a childhood dream? Should we be so dismissive of the rivalry with Lionel Messi? Of course, that particular subplot was at its height during the war between Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, but it would be misguided to think of it as a diminishing battle for ultimate supremacy. PSG, like United, could have been a destination had Ronaldo not agreed to an extension in Spain, but what good would it have done being based in France, where the competition isn’t as great and the battles don’t come as frequently? Much of the same can be said about being situated in Manchester.
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But on the whole, the lengthy talk of a move back to Man United was facilitated by Ronaldo’s own unhappiness that began last year. The media saw an opportunity and ran with it, even if there was very little credence to the stories that Ronaldo wanted a move back to the Premier League. It was never about leaving Real Madrid, and so few have missed that point. There was talk of a transfer, of running down his contract and snapping up a ridiculous and sizable signing on fee, but those were all scare tactics. The ultimate goal was to feel not only wanted at Real Madrid but treasured – much in the same way that Messi is at Barcelona – while holding a contract that places him firmly as the top earner of his club and even outshining his adversary across the way.
Shouldn’t we also bring up the factor of managers? Ok, Real Madrid change their managers frequently – or at least they have a tendency to; Mourinho’s stay was unusually long – so that could always be an issue in Spain for Ronaldo. But the thing about Florentino Perez is that he enjoys the glamour and the attention; under his watch the club will always aim high and for the most fashionable. Carlo Ancelotti is a good manager, one of the best in Europe and with a proven track record. But the Italian also has style and a CV that further enhances his status as one of the best on the continent. That isn’t available anymore at Manchester United. If fans can voice their opinions or concerns about managers, is it not fair that players should do the same?
Further evidence of the lack of interest in a move away from Madrid can be found in Ronaldo’s numbers last season. The prior year he led Real Madrid to the league title, scoring the winner and more or less securing the title against Barcelona at the Camp Nou – Mesut Ozil, incidentally, offered the assist. But last season, his “unhappiness” didn’t force a drop of form or a season-long shirk of responsibility. Under Mourinho in the Portuguese’s final season with the club, the majority of the Real Madrid players were underperforming. Ronaldo, though, alongside one or two others, remained consistent with what was expected of them. Ronaldo once again hit phenomenal scoring numbers, reaching 57 goals across all competitions.
Ronaldo will always talk about Manchester United being in his heart, and maybe a return will happen. But for now, and certainly while he is in his peak years and with business still left unfinished with Real Madrid, talk of a return to England should be put to bed. There was very little in the story, more an opportunity that was seized based on Ronaldo’s need and desire for further backing from Real Madrid and its supporters.
Was there really any legs in the story linking Ronaldo with a move back to United?
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