Cristiano Ronaldo makes 'irreversible' decision to leave Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo makes 'irreversible' decision to leave Real Madrid
Cristiano Ronaldo has decided to leave Real Madrid after being accused of tax fraud, according to newspaper reports that have originated from Portugal.
Portuguese daily newspaper A Bola has claimed the Real Madrid striker is angry at his treatment from Spanish tax authorities and has expressed his desire to leave the country.
Spanish prosecutors have accused the Real Madrid footballer Cristiano Ronaldo of defrauding the authorities of 14.7 million euros in tax, an accusation Ronaldo is contesting.
Ronaldo denies the accusation and
A Bola say the 32-year-old striker has made the "irreversible" decision to leave the club, and has informed his teammates of his intentions.
A source close to Cristiano Ronaldo told the BBC that the former Manchester United striker is "sad and upset" at allegations he has defrauded Spanish tax authorities.
"He feels he's honest, has good character and did everything OK, so he doesn't understand," said the source.
"He's very sad and really upset."
The source added: "He doesn't want to stay in Spain. At this moment, he wants to leave."
The four-time Ballon d'Or winner responded to the tax charges by posting a picture of himself 'shushing' at the camera along with the caption “Sometimes the best answer it’s to be quiet”.
"It is clear that the football player did not try to evade taxes," Ronaldo's Gestifute management company said.
Ronaldo signed a new five-year contract to stay at the Bernabeu in November 2016, declaring he is ready to play on until his 41st birthday.
"This is a special day for me, extending my links with this club, the club of my heart. Renewing for five years is very special and let it be clear that this is not the last contract," said Ronaldo, only seven months ago.