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Reports in Spain have suggested Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo is to sue a consultancy firm over false claims surrounding his investments.

A spokesman for the player told the EFE news agency that the forward is considering legal action against The Proto Group after it wrongly claimed Ronaldo had invested in a favela in Brazil, bought properties in New York and Monaco, and agreed to feature in a Martin Scorsese film.

Proto Group, owned by Italian financier Alessandro Proto, linked Ronaldo to the purchase of a 140 million euro hotel in Monaco in January as well as a 17 million euro loft apartment in New York’s Trump Tower back in August 2015.

A spokesman for Ronaldo stated: “News about the personal and professional life of Cristiano Ronaldo should come directly from official sources and informed media outlets, and the media should abstain from passing along ‘information’ which has the only intention of tricking public opinion for the benefit of the source.”

Having learned about the potential legal action, Proto hit back saying they look forward to seeing what Ronaldo’s case brings up.

“We learned on Tuesday that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to sue our company. We are curious to learn the true reasons behind his decision. Probably it is because what he asked for did not come about. Cristiano Ronaldo must understand that not everyone is at his disposal,” the statement said.

And it continued: “The information about deals realised by our group have been public knowledge for nearly a year. Probably, Cristiano is upset because we haven’t reached a deal with him. Cristiano Ronaldo is used to having the world at his feet, but we don’t work that way. It will be fun to see him in a proceeding that exposes many details, including those of his private life.”

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Karim Benzema

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has hit back at French prime minister Manuel Valls and sports minister Patrick Kanner after both men made comments about his disciplinary record.

The striker is under investigation for his part in an alleged blackmail plot against international team mate Matieu Valbuena. Benzema is thought to have been involved in trying to extort money from the midfielder in exchange for getting rid of a sex tape that the Lyon man featured in.

The case has been ongoing since last autumn and Benzema had been banned from communicating with Valbuena. The Los Blancos man was also suspended from the French national side while the investigation and case in ongoing.

However, last week the ban on him communicating with Valbuena was lifting prompting speculation Benzema could be recalled to the Les Blues set up ahead of the European Championships this summer.

On Tuesday, Valls disagreed with the idea that Benzema should be recalled because he is not a good role model – despite not having been found guilty of anything.

“With respect to young people, a great sportsperson must be exemplary. I am neither the president of the FFF, nor Didier Deschamps. And it’s up to the coach to pick the best team possible. But I don’t think that the conditions have been met in order for Karim Benzema to return to the French team. He is still charged and you feel that there was something,” he told RMC radio.

Speaking to RTL on Monday, Kanner also said: “I think that when you sign a code of ethics to be a member of the French team you have to respect it and I think that at the moment the conditions have not been met on that subject for Mr. Benzema.”

But Benzema hit back on Twitter to both men who had questioned his disciplinary record.

He wrote: “I’ve been a professional for 12 seasons: 541 matches played 0 red cards 11 yellow cards!!! And some people talk whether I set an example???”

 

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Former Real Madrid player and coach Jorge Valdano has criticised Isco’s reaction to being substituted in the win over Las Palmas as ‘immature’.

The midfielder featured for an hour but was replaced by Mateo Kovacic with Los Blancos finding it difficult to contain the La Liga strugglers in the centre of the park.

Taking his place on the bench behind Zinedine Zidane, Isco angrily throw his coat and water bottle aside, something that was picked up on by plenty of media outlets.

Speaking on El Larguero, Valdano, who has worked alongside Zidane at Real previously, said Isco’s petulance would not help the atmosphere in the team and showed he was not pulling in the same direction as the rest of the squad at a time when the players need to get their heads down and work hard after a disappointing season to date.

“That is not a good contribution to the atmosphere that teams need. It is not the behaviour of a mature player. He will feel a debt to his team,” Valdano stated.

Isco has made 32 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos this season netting four goals along the way. He has featured 138 times for the 10-time Champions League winners since signing for the club from Malaga in 2013.

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Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has claimed the Red Devils should sign Real Madrid players Luka Modric and Raphael Varane next summer.

In an interview with United We Stand Magazine the former United playmaker confessed he would like to see the Los Blancos footballers at Old Trafford.

Asked about which players he would like United to sign, Scholes said: “I’d like Luka Modric. How old is he now? Might be a bit too old, but he’s a great player. I like Raphael Varane. I said realistic and I’m picking Real Madrid players?”

Scholes also suggested the Red Devils should bring Los Merengues target Paul Pogba from Juventus: “We probably need a centre forward but there’s not too many of them about so I’m going to say I’d like us to bring Paul Pogba back.”

Both Modric and Varane are key players for Zinedine Zidane and they are not in the list of the players who could leave Real Madrid in the summer.

If an offer arrived at the end of the season, Florentino Perez would not even consider it, so there is little chance that Scholes desires will come true.

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Jose Mourinho signing for Chelsea

Florentino Perez could be trying to convince Jose Mourinho to return to Real Madrid at the end of this season, Spanish digital newspaper Voz Populi has claimed.

According to this newspaper, the Los Blancos president is not happy with the performance of the team in the past few games. Moreover, he didn’t like the fact that Zinedine Zidane left Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and Danilo out of the squad for the game against Las Palmas.

After the dissapointing performance of the team in their last-minute 1-2 victory at Las Palmas, Perez held talks with several members of the board of directors, and according to Voz Populi their conclusion was similar: “This group of players can only be controlled by Jose Mourinho.”

Yet, according to the latest Real Madrid transfer rumors, Zidane has been requested to start planning the squad for next season, so it seems highly unlikely that he will leave in the summer.

The Los Blancos manager could let up to ten players go in order to completely renew the squad.

Mourinho, who spent three seasons at Real Madrid conquering one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and one Spanish Supercup, has also been linked with Manchester United after being dismissed from Chelsea.

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The president of Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, Max Eberl, says Martin Odegaard’s progress has stalled since he joined Real Madrid and if he’d opted for the German side, he’d already be an established player in their team.

Norwegian playmaker Odegaard joined Los Blancos in January 2015 from Stromsgodset. As one of Europe’s most highly rated youngsters, he was wanted by a long list of clubs across the continent but chose the 10-time Champions League winners.

Despite becoming the club’s youngest ever player at 16 years and 157 days when he made his debut against Getafe last season, Odegaard has had to be content with a role in the Real Madrid Castilla side this campaign.

Speaking to football magazine Kicker, Eberl said had Odegaard opted to join his side, he would already have Champions League experienced and would be a regular first team player.

“Sure, you could say what would Gladbach be able to do against the biggest clubs in Europe? But I am convinced Odegaard would be a Bundesliga player in Gladbach. He would have played Champions League with us. At Real he has a hard time at the moment,” he commented.

The youngster made his international debut for Norway in 2014 and has since gone on to make eight appearances for his country.

Our friends over at Real Galaticos recently asked a Norwegian fan about Odegaard’s prospects. Here’s what he had to say:

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Goalscoring hero Casemiro says he always give 100% when he plays for Real Madrid and he wants to keep fighting for his place in the side.

The Brazilian, who spent last season on loan at Porto, netted the 90th minute winner in the 2-1 success at Las Palmas on Sunday evening to keep up Real’s chase of Atletico de Madrid in the league. The gap between second and third remains at four points with nine games to go.

Speaking after making his 50th appearance for Los Blancos, Casemiro stated: “I’m happy, I’d like to dedicate the goal to my daughter. It’s part of my job, I keep working and giving everything for this club. Every time I play I try to do my best. I enjoy every day that I train and play for Real Madrid, I’m here to play.”

He went on to add that the players know they need to improve of their performance on Sunday.

“We know the second half wasn’t very good, but we’ve got the three points and we’ll keep getting better. We knew it would be a tough match, and it was, especially in the second half. We have to respect Las Palmas because teams fight hard to try and win here. We have the utmost respect for our fans, the badge, and for Real Madrid and we have to play good football,” he commented.

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Alvaro Arbeloa says he is pleased to have made a return to the Real Madrid side but admitted they were made to suffer by Las Palmas at the weekend.

Los Blancos scraped past the La Liga strugglers 2-1 thanks to a last gasp Casemiro goal. It means Real maintain their third place position in the table, four points behind Atletico de Madrid and 12 behind leaders Barcelona.

In quotes published on the Real Madrid website, Arbeloa admitted a trip to the Canary Islands is always a tough match.

“I’m pleased to be back playing after such a long time, it’s what every footballer wants, and to win makes it even better. We suffered, they made it difficult for us. Las Palmas are good at home and they’re a very tough opponent. They beat Getafe not long ago, and Barcelona struggled here. They tried really hard and they’re a great team. If they keep playing like this I’m sure they’ll be safe,” he commented.

The right back went on to hail the Las Palmas fans for getting behind their team and making it an intimidating place to play.

“I’ve been at Real Madrid for seven years and I’m not sure I’ve seen anything quite like it. I want to thank the fans for their affection and how they received us. I hope they remain in the La Liga for years to come,” he stated.

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has hinted he might join Real Madrid next summer.

In an interview for beIN Sports, the 26-year-old was clear about the rumours that have linked him with a move to the Spanish capital: “Real Madrid? There is no agreement but I promised my grandfather I would play there one day. Why wouldn’t I want to discover new things? As I’ve said several times, I’d like to play in Spain and have good weather for once in my life.”

According to the latest Real Madrid transfer news, Los Blancos have already reached an agreement with the Gabon international. Dortmund have claimed that the striker is going nowhere, but the footballer seems to think otherwise.

Aubameyang joined Borussia Dortmund three years ago from French side Saint Etienne. He was Robert Lewandowski’s back-up at the start, but he has become a guaranteed starter thanks to his goals. This season, he has scored 33 goals in 39 appearances for the Germans. Thanks to that, Dortmund sit second in the Bundesliga table, only five points behind reigning champions Bayern Munich.

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Real Madrid are reportedly planning a massive overhaul of the squad next summer as they are facing the threat of a transfer ban in the following two transfer windows.

Florentino Perez and Zinedine Zidane want to build a squad for the future signing several young talented players. However, for those players to arrive, Los Blancos will need to let go many of their current stars. Zidane will have to decide which men he wants to keep, and who he is willing to let leave.

Although there is still nothing certain, these are the ten players that could leave the club at the end of the season according to the latest transfer rumours:

10. Alvaro Arbeloa

Alvaro Arbeloa GI
The 33-year-old has barely played this season and it seems clear that he will finally leave the club next summer. The Los Blancos defender has been linked with a move to Besiktas and there are also rumours of a possible Major League Soccer switch. The Spaniard’s contract will expire in June and has recently admitted he is going to leave at the end of the season, but his destiny is still unknown. “My people are trying to find the best for my future,” he told La Galerna.

9. Nacho Fernandez

Nacho Fernandez with Real Madrid
The Real Madrid home-grown defender has spent the last three seasons as a member of the first team, but with limited minutes of action. He has served the club well, but many believe Los Merengues need to bring in better substitutes in order to step up. Napoli have long been interested in the 26-year-old, and they are ready to offer him a leading role in the team. He will have plenty of offers next summer and it seems unlikely that he will reject them all.

8. Casemiro

Casemiro GI
The Brazilian has become a crucial piece in Zinedine Zidane’s lineup in the past few games. However, according to the latest Real Madrid transfer talk, Los Blancos are seeking for another defensive midfielder to reinforce the squad next summer. The fact that Casemiro has a non-EU passport is also an obstacle for him to stay. Real have targeted a few non-European players and they will have to let Casemiro, James Rodriguez or Danilo go to make room for a new one.

7. Jese Rodriguez

Jese Rodriguez vs PSG GI
The Los Blancos Academy product was seen as the next Cristiano Ronaldo when he first joined the first team, but hasn’t developed into the player everyone expected him to become. He is a talented footballer who could have a leading role at any other club, and he will surely receive many offers next summer. Liverpool, Arsenal and Inter Milan have already shown their interest. The 23-year-old could be seduced by the idea of going to a team where he can be a guaranteed starter. If Zidane wants to keep him, he will have to convince him.

6. Pepe

Pepe GI
Having recently turned 33 years old, the Portugal defender is reaching the end of his career. He has put in some great performances this season, but Los Blancos directors have doubts over his physical fitness, especially given the injury problems he has suffered. Real Madrid are expected to bring in a world-class centre-back next season and that could force Pepe’s exit. However, the defender is a leader in the dressing room and Zidane might choose to keep him for his experience.

5. Toni Kroos

Toni Kroos vs Bilbao GI
The Germany international will be tempted to leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, as he is expected to receive offers from Manchester City and Chelsea among others. If Florentino Perez succeeds in bringing Paul Pogba or Marco Verratti, Kroos’ role as a guaranteed starter would be in jeopardy. Thus, the 26-year-old could consider a move out of the Santiago Bernabeu.

4. James Rodriguez

james-rodriguez
The Colombian has become the main target of the fans’ criticism and he’s going through a tough time. His performances this season have been far from expected and his behaviour outside the field hasn’t been correct. He is unhappy at the club after becoming a regular substitute. Thus, he could seek for a move out in the summer. Manchester United have shown a great interest and Zidane would be opened to letting him go should they receive a good offer.

3. Isco

Isco
In the past few games, the Spanish playmaker has been spending more time on the bench than he could have expected. Zidane trusted him from the moment he arrived at the first team, but it seems like his performances have not been good enough. Many fans feel that Isco is not consistent enough and would like the president to look for a replacement. On the other hand, being one of the few Spanish players in the starting eleven has made him loved and appreciated, so there will be many who would completely oppose to seeing him go. Manchester City and Arsenal will surely keep trying to seduce the 23-year-old.

2. Sergio Ramos

Sergio Ramos vs Roma GI
Sources in Spain have claimed that the Spaniard is looking for a change in his career and is ready to consider offers to leave the Santiago Bernabeu. This would be a great loss for Los Blancos, so both Florentino Perez and Zidane are expected to fight hard to keep the Los Blancos captain. Manchester United are very interested in signing the defender, and they would offer him far more than what he earns at Real. However, it seems highly unlikely that they can pay an amount that can please Perez.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo - PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP/Getty Images
The Portugal international has recently turned 31 years old and many believe it is time to sell him now that Madrid can still get a good amount of money. Ronaldo is still playing at a great level, but he is nearing the end of his career. If Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester United come next summer with more than 80 million euros in a bag, Perez should really consider selling. There are plenty of rumours over the arrival of a world-class star, such as Eden Hazard and Antoine Griezmann, but that will not happen unless Ronaldo leaves.

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