Cristiano Ronaldo doesn’t want to stay at Real Madrid any longer than he has to.
The Portuguese superstar rejected the Spanish club’s contract extension offer, presumably because he wants to leave, as has been widely reported. The news is fueling speculation that this season will be his last in the Spanish capital, according to Football Espana.
“According to AS Los Blancos have prepared an extension they hoped the player would sign this summer, which would run until 2018 and see his annual wage increased from €10 million ($13.2 million) to €15 million ($19.8 million),” the report says.
“However the 27-year-old reportedly prefers to see out his current deal — which expires in 2015 –- then leave, with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain [PSG] and old employers Manchester United waiting to pounce.”
Ronaldo has reportedly grown disillusioned with life at Real Madrid. He feels the club hasn’t shown him enough public support, which has had a negative impact on his image. Early this month, Spanish media reported that he is demanding a transfer at the end of the 2012-13 season.
The FIFA Ballon d’Or finalist will have two years remaining on his contract at the end of the season. He turns 28 in February, putting him in good position to land another massive contract from a top club next summer.
PSG is reportedly ready and willing to sign Ronaldo for 100 million euros ($129.6 million). It will also attempt to lure Jose Mourinho to Paris as well.
There are also rumors that Manchester United wants to bring Ronaldo back to Old Trafford. He left the Premier League club in 2009 in a world-record, in a £80 million ($131.6 million) transfer. Those same rumors insist Ronaldo is interested in making such a return.
Ronaldo rocked the soccer world in September when he told a news conference that he was feeling “sad” at the club. He later reaffirmed his commitment to Real Madrid, but much of the news since then has centered around his impending departure. Now, Ronaldo has apparently backed others’ words with his own action.
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