Show him the money

Ronaldo: unhappy with Real

Guillem Balague, Albert Ferrer and Graham Hunter discuss the real reasons for Cristiano Ronaldo's unhappiness.

"He wants to make it public as he wants the people and the fans to know, however in Spain it is not the best time to do it. With the crisis and everything we are suffering, asking for five more million euros is not very popular."
Albert Ferrer Quotes of the week

The Real Madrid ace refused to celebrate his goals against Granada at the weekend and later said he was unhappy and has reportedly told Bernabeu officials he wants to quit the club. The behaviour has led to mass speculation about a bust-up within the Real squad or an apparent desire from the 27-year-old for a new contract.

"Right follow this carefully," said Guillem on Revista.

"Five months ago there was a meeting between the chairman of Real Madrid and Ronaldo's agent. The agent suggested that they give Ronaldo a new contract but Real Madrid seem to answer no, there is no rush for it.

"Three months ago Ronaldo gave an interview where he said he would like to stay at Real Madrid forever but it does not depend on him. Then on Saturday before the game he meets the chairman and the director and basically insinuates that he will leave if he is not treated properly and that he is not happy.

"He leaves the office, scores two goals and does not celebrate. Very publicly he is expressing his sadness. Perhaps the club is not backing him when individual trophies are being mentioned, perhaps he does not feel the love but it has nothing to do with that.

"He wants to be paid as much as anyone in the world - that is fifteen million euros net. That is what he wants and what is happening here is an orchestrated strategy for him to get that."

Trampled all over

Albert Ferrer believes that Ronaldo is important to Ronaldo and while he does not agree with the way he has gone about it; he believes that Ronaldo has the right to ask for a pay-rise.

"He is very important and I don't think that Real Madrid at this time can find a player like Ronaldo and he knows it and he uses it. It is as simple as that and he has the strength to put Real Madrid in this situation.

"The thing is that as players sometimes we can use the media and sometimes we choose not to use the media. He wants to make it public when he probably could do it the other way by going to the club and talking to them and expressing the same unhappiness to them. He wants to make it public as he wants the people and the fans to know, however in Spain it is not the best time to do it. With the crisis and everything we are suffering, asking for five more million euros is not very popular and the reaction of the people is what we are hearing."

Graham Hunter agrees: "They know in Spain that he was a strange creature, I think everyone knows that. There are certain things that get a thorn in his side that maybe don't with other players. The front pages are literally trampling all over him with studs on.

"In defence of him, he is a valuable asset and maybe they should look after him a bit better."