Spanish football page Don Balon reports the shocking news that the player who was named Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year as late as in December 2016 might leave Real Madrid this summer. The speculations come after the forward's disappointing display in Saturday's 1-1 draw at home with rivals Atletico Madrid in Primera Division.
The result means that Barcelona can become level at points with Real if they win their next game. Los Blancos are currently leading in the race for the title by three points with one game in hand. Their prospects of winning the league title for the first time since 2012 are therefore threatened after Saturday's game.
According to Don Balon, both Real Madrid President Florentino Perez and manager Zinedine Zidane were unimpressed by what they saw from Cristiano Ronaldo in the derby. Also Welsh superstar Gareth Bale is said to have faced criticism for his performance.
The Spanish reports further claims that Zinedane has said that he feels that he needs to strengthen his attack this summer. This follows previous rumours that Perez is concerned over ronaldo. The Portugese star, Bale and Karim Benzema are all forwards who reportedly are in the danger zone of having to leave this summer.
Unique career statistics
With 26 goals in 36 games in all competitions this season, Ronaldo having to leave Real Madrid would be nothing else but a massive shock.
After coming to the Spanish capital from Manchester United in 2009, the 32-year old has established himself as one of the best footballers of all times. His numbers speak for themselves: he has scored 384 goals in 390 games for Real Madrid and 71 goals in 138 games for Portugal. He is the all-time top scorer both for his club and in the UEFA Champions League, and has set a bunch of records.
The star forward has also, in addition to Best FIFA Men's Player of the Year 2016, won FIFA Ballon d'Or in 2013 and 2014 as well as FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008.
Statue mistake overshadowed
The above mentioned performances has led to the Portugese obtaining a close to legendary status. Last month, the the airport on his native island of Madeira was named after the former Sporting Lisbon player.
At the same time, a statue of him was unveiled. The statue drew much attention worldwide due to its apparent lack of resemblance to the superstar. Many people said on social media that it looked more like former Republic of Ireland captain Niall Quinn than his more glamorous Real Madrid counterpart. Such details must nevertheless seem very trivial to Ronaldo with these reports of his future emerging. Even the biggest stars can fall.
