Cristiano Ronaldo-Real Madrid, a collective defeat

The opinion of Jesus Sanchez

Posted Sunday, July 08, 2018 by Marca.com

In the week that is about to begin, Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid will go their separate ways, just nine years after starting one of the most productive partnerships in footballing history.

Nobody has a crystal ball that allows them to see into the future and nothing changes more than the fickle world of sport, which is full of self interest and words mean very little.

Memories don't last long, but the chances of the Portuguese forward continuing to play every single match for Real Madrid are remote.

His departure will rock a team that has just won the Champions League again, whilst for the player in question it's an opportunity to explore new horizons.

Nobody knows if he can repeat his great achievements although if he ends up in Turin, everybody loses.

It's a collective defeat.

There is no going back, the battle is now to apportion blame.

Everybody involved is seeking an alibi with Los Blancos encouraging the player to publicly confirm he wishes to leave and it's only him that wishes to force the transfer.

This doesn't have to be true, of course, but it would make the 2018/19 season more bearable if the team struggles without him.

The exit clause decrease depends on the attitude shown by Ronaldo.

If he takes the aforementioned step then it's worth 100 million euros, if he doesn't then it stands at 1 billion euros.

The former Manchester United forward is uncomfortable with this form of blackmail, although he's under pressure after having already given his word to Juventus, a team that can't pay more than 100 million euros.

He's willing to give some ground, as is his agent, and this could mean a statement is likely, although it's difficult for him to sign a confidentiality clause that would prevent him from discussing his departure.

Ronaldo doesn't want anyone to write the narrative, also it wouldn't be easy to get together with Perez and come to an amicable resolution.

The reality is that he's leaving because of the president, in an ideal world he wanted to retire in Madrid, it was his dream.

Cristiano Ronaldo-Real Madrid, a collective defeat

Sure, Ronaldo has sinned unbearably in recent years, his tantrums were numerous and the most recent one in Kiev was embarrassing.

The fans have in their mind Ronaldo speaking about his own future whilst Sergio Ramos lifted the Champions League trophy.

His discomfort stemmed from the promise of an increased salary which never arrived, all the while the Spanish giants were flirting with Neymar.

Other issues were present with the forward feeling detached from the team, and he didn't score in Kiev which really frustrated him.

These days, Ronaldo's behaviour has taken its toll on supporters who are so calm at the prospect of his exit.

Those in the stands at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu were always in love with his goals rather than the person who was scoring them.

There were even those who whistled him, and there are no demonstrations asking him to stay, nor is Julen Lopetegui going trying to tempt him to remain, even though he's losing an almost guaranteed 40 or 50 goals per season.

Real Madrid doesn't work like this, and Ronaldo will leave behind his record of 451 goals and 16 titles.

His time with the club will end with Los Blancos leading Barcelona 13-5 in the Champions League winners race, exactly the same distance which was the case before Lionel Messi emerged.

Surely the biggest sin of Florentino is that he considers himself the most important person at the club, and whilst he may be, the true heroes are those on the pitch.

From this perspective, the relationship with Ronaldo has lasted far longer than logic would suggest.

They have simply tolerated each other as the player was interested in becoming a legend with the club and the president was happy with the success that followed.

The split is clear.

Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy and he wishes to leave, even though he doesn't know if his career will be as glorious from this point on.

His decision has nothing to do with money.

Real Madrid were going to pay him the same money as Juventus, but Perez was disgusted by the outburst in Kiev and he doesn't want to please Ronaldo any longer.

Sometimes I say things that Ronaldo doesn't want to hear, but his sporting decline isn't yet evident as he scored 44 goals in 44 matches.

His professionalism is faultless.

Who cares more than he does?

The president has tired of pleasing him because his new priority is Neymar.

He has grown tired of the CR7 brand, but Ronaldo isn't ready to no longer be treated like a king.

We're in the period of a tremor before the earthquake, but the epicentre of this earthquake will lead Real into a new era of uncertainty.