Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has suggested star striker Cristiano Ronaldo could leave the club next summer – but hopes he doesn’t.
Ronaldo, who is the club’s all-time leading scorer, has netted 11 goals in 11 games this season so far and is once again one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or in January.
The 30-year-old still has a number of years to run on his long-term deal at the Santiago Bernabeu but speculation surrounding his future have never gone away. The player himself has never hidden his love of Manchester United prompting stories he could end his career there.
He’s also a fan of the US and it’s been suggested he could follow in the footsteps of former Real Madrid players Raul, Kaka and David Beckham in switching to the MLS. Meanwhile, Wednesday’s Champions League opponents have the financial muscle to provide him with an attractive offer.
Speaking to AS, Calderon stated: “I’ve heard rumours about strong interest from PSG. As a former President and a follower of Madrid, I hope it will never happen. But who knows in the world of football. I think his departure is possible.
“Right now Cristiano has not expressed [a desire to leave]. I think he will make his decision at the end of the season, in terms of trophies won and how he feels. Meanwhile, we follow the mystery.Cristiano is priceless. What he gives the team, in terms of goals and mentality, has no equivalent apart from [Lionel] Messi.
“And because if PSG or Manchester United buy Ronaldo they’ll have no problem paying off the price. He’ll raise it in marketing revenue. If Madrid sell for €100m, certainly they’ll be rich, but they could never buy a player like him.”
