Cristiano Ronaldo 'rethinking decision to leave Real Madrid' after Florentino Perez's empassioned defence

Perez defended the 31-year-old superstar, claiming the tax issues were simply a "misunderstanding"

Wednesday 21 June 2017 09:14 BST
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Cristiano Ronaldo is said to already be rethinking his decision
Cristiano Ronaldo is said to already be rethinking his decision (Getty)

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Louise Thomas

Louise Thomas

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Cristiano Ronaldo is rethinking his desire to leave Real Madrid after hearing Florentino Perez's stirring defence of him on Spanish radio, claim newspaper reports in Spain.

The Madrid president, who was re-elected unopposed this week, gave a full-length interview to Onda Cero where he spoke at length about the Ronaldo situation.

Perez defended the 31-year-old superstar, claiming the tax issues were simply a "misunderstanding" and denying that Cristiano would ask to leave in an attempt to have any fines paid by the club.

And this has helped quell the forward's anger, according to Spanish daily AS, who say he is now ready to reconsider his desire to leave.

Perez said: "Cristiano has a contract and he is a Real Madrid player. I have not talked with Cristiano.... but they tell me has been treated badly in this country. I have found everything out through the newspapers.

"The last time that I talked with Cristiano was in Cardiff, after the game. What happened with the tax authorities was after the game.

"Life throws up unexpected situations but one has to take them on and find a solution."

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are the two clubs most keenly pursuing the 31-year-old forward's signature, but Perez skipped over talk of a sale by pricing Ronaldo out of the market.

"The clause for Cristiano is £1bn. We have not had an offer from Cristiano... the Sheikh at PSG is a friend of mine and he hasn't called me nor have we talked.

"This is all very strange. Cristiano is a good guy, I will have to talk with Cristiano and see what's happening."

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