Cristiano Ronaldo says he wants to stay at Real Madrid because he “loves” the club and the city.
Ronaldo’s future has been the source of widespread speculation with reports suggesting he wants to leave the Santiago Bernabeu over a contract dispute.
Sky Sports’ Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has said Real Madrid have no intention of paying Ronaldo the 50m euros-per-year salary he is demanding.
The 32-year-old has been routinely linked with a move away from Spain with former club Manchester United regularly touted as the most likely destination.
However, Ronaldo insists he is happy in Madrid, declaring his “love” for the club and outlining his intention to stay.
“Of course I want to stay here, I love this club,” he told Chinese football app Dongqiudi.
“I like living here. I’ve lived in this city since 2009 and I love the weather and the people. It’s close to Portugal and you can get there by car. Spain is a great country, I love it.”
Ronaldo – who is contracted to Real Madrid until 2021 – admits he may need to rethink his plan to keep playing until he is 41.
He said: “This feeling is incredible. It’s what I’ve always dreamed of.
“Now, my plan to retire at 41 will probably be a bit more difficult to achieve, and now we live in the moment.”
“Being a coach is not part of my plan, but you also know that people change their minds. For the moment I don’t want to be a coach.”
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