Why was Ronaldo not included in Real’s kit launch?
Moments after winning the Champions League for the fourth time, Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, suggested in a post-match interview with beIN Sports, that his 10-year career at the Santiago Bernabeu could be drawing to a close.
Immediately after their 3-1 victory over Liverpool Ronaldo said, “Now we have to enjoy this moment,”
“In the next few days I will give an answer to the fans that have always been on my side. It was very nice to be at Real Madrid, in the coming days I will talk about it more.”
Needless to say these comments by the record breaking Ronaldo, overshadowed their Champions League triumph, with reports suggesting Real captain Ramos expressed his displeasure with his teammate in the changing room after the event.
To throw fuel on the speculation, Real Madrid went live with the release of their new kit for the 2018/19 season the day after which didn’t feature Ronaldo.
In the launch, Marcelo, Bale, Isco, Benzema and Kroos were the stars featured, while on the website only Ronaldo’s shirt was shown, and not the player himself wearing it.
You’re nobody until you create
Our new home and away kit by @adidasfootball.
https://t.co/odfWCbsdVu#HalaMadrid #HereToCreate pic.twitter.com/BInQm2Lw4g— #CHAMP13NS (@realmadriden) May 29, 2018
Despite Ronaldo backtracking on his possible departure comments during a speech he made at the trophy parade, social media reacted to the kit launch, with fans expressing concern about contemplating life at Real without Ronaldo.
Rest assured, there was a very valid reason for this. Earlier this year, Ronald signed a new contract with global sports giant Nike, thought to be worth in the region of $1 billion! With Adidas the official shirt sponsor of the Champions League winners, Ronaldo was not allowed to feature for commercial reason and a conflict of interest.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague explains Real’s transfer latest
That said there still remains an issue with Ronaldo and the club when it comes to his playing contract. Ronaldo has an outstanding tax bill in Spain thought to be around €40 million which he wants Real Madrid to pay for. He is also insisting that his salary is brought in line with Neymar and Messi, which is around the €33 million a season.
Adding to this, Real President Fiorentino Perez was supposed to have had these contractual issues sorted by now, considering the initial conversations started after their 2016/17 Champions League win, something that has annoyed the player.
It will be interesting to see how these negotiations unfold for Real and Ronaldo, not to mention Gareth Bale who also suggested he could leave if he didn’t get more football. Throw into the mix the speculation surrounding Neymar playing his football at Real and you have a rather interesting transfer window unfolding at the Santiago Bernabeu.
