Spoilt Brat;
The truth about Ronaldo
Never has such a short sentence caused so much commotion as Cristiano Ronaldo's "I'm sad". When the player told journalists of his sadness, he must have known his words would have a shattering effect on his club – Real Madrid – and the reverberations would spread across the planet. That's why he did it.
Few people knew that Ronaldo was in possession of a bombshell which was just waiting to be dropped. Even club president Florentino Pérez and his right-hand man José Ángel Sánchez were totally shocked on Saturday when the Portuguese asked to speak to them. His words were those of a man who has given his all in every minute he has played for the club, but who cannot hold back anymore.
Ronaldo's sadness can't be cured with money. Of course the Portuguese star feels disgruntled by the wage he is on – €10 million net per year, the same as Kaká – especially when compared to what other star players earn in the world of football.
But Ronaldo is more concerned about respect, affection and recognition as opposed to an improved contract. The player does not feel he has the backing of the club, his teammates or the fans. At least, not the way believes he deserves.
He is disappointed with Real Madrid because of its lack of support as a club in his quest for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award and also because of other small details that other clubs do for their star players which he does not have. He also feels frustrated with Real's system of selecting a captain, which is based on the time the players spend at the club.
The saddened star is also worried that his teammates do not see him as a leader on the pitch and in the changing room. He thinks they do not appreciate the sacrifices he has made for the team.
In regard to the Santiago Bernabéu faithful, he still lays the blame on the fans for not unanimously defending him on the day he was booed and for not worshipping him every time he scores a goal.
Thieves