MADRID, Sept. 12 (Xinhua) -- All eyes will be on Real Madrid's training ground at Valdebebas this Wednesday afternoon when Cristiano Ronaldo returns to training.
Ronaldo's parting gift to his club before leaving on international duty 10 days ago was to tell reporters that he hadn't celebrated his two goals in the 3-0 win against Granada, because he was "unhappy".
That sparked a huge debate over the reasons for Ronaldo's unhappiness, whether it was because he didn't get on with his team-mates, whether it was because Barcelona's Andres Iniesta had been voted UEFA player of the year ahead or him, or whether he was upset with full back, Marcelo (supposedly his best friend in the squad) saying Iker Casillas should be voted as the winner of the Balon D'Or.
That could be a factor, as Xabi Alonso was asked about Ronaldo while on Spain duty and replied, "well, I am happy..."
Of course the question of money was also raised: Ronaldo is in his fourth year at the club and has a contract until 2015, but so far he has not received an offer to extend or improve his contract, which nets him around 9.5 million Euros a year after tax. That means that Ronaldo is the 10th best paid player in the world, something that may upset a man who so clearly believes he is the best.
Pro-Real Madrid newspaper Marca has said over the past two days that the club is willing to open talks with the player on his return and quotes a figure of around 15 million Euros.
However, it is also clear that Ronaldo's actions have not gone down well with the club. He reportedly met with Madrid President, Florentino Perez on September 1 to express his unhappiness, only for Perez to express his irritation that Ronaldo had given him the news a day after the transfer window had closed.
Club officials are unhappy that the situation has been left open ended as Ronaldo refused to explain the reason for his displeasure before departing. The speculation has not looked good for Real Madrid as it has raised questions of dressing room divisions and bad relations among staff.
Meanwhile Ronaldo's image has come in for a battering from many Spaniards, including many of his own supporters, who are angry that the player should ask for a pay rise when Spain is in a deep economic crisis and suffering 25 percent unemployment.
It has made him look like a mercenary, a spoilt child who cares little for his club or the reality of the world around him.
And now Ronaldo returns and there is sure to be huge media interest. The good news for the player is that cameras will be limited to a few long range shots of him on the training ground, where they are sure to focus on any gestures between him and his team-mates. Perhaps some players will be "instructed" to make a public show of affection to Ronaldo, expect hugs and handshakes to be the order of the day...
With no press conference scheduled until Friday, it is unlikely that coach Jose Mourinho will say anything to the press over the matter and assistant Aitor Karanka could well find himself the one to field questions on Friday rather than Mourinho. All of which means Ronaldo is back, but the uncertainty continues.
|
