Ronaldo keen to secure new Real Madrid deal
With reports suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid are at an impasse in contract negotiations, the Club World Cup match-winner said he's eager to agree to new terms with the Spanish giant.
Speaking with reporters following Saturday's 1-0 win over Brazilians Gremio in Abu Dhabi, Ronaldo commented on the alleged contractual deadlock over a payrise.
"If it was possible I would like that, but it does not depend on me," Ronaldo told reporters, according to ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan.
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"All I can control is what I do on the pitch. I am not in charge at the club, I do my work, and I believe I do it well," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner continued.
With his current deal set to lapse in 2021, Ronaldo's future with the capital club has come into question. Spanish outlet AS has reported that Real president Florentino Perez has rebuffed advances from Ronaldo's representative, and with an ongoing €14.7-million tax fraud case against the footballer in Spanish courts, he's been linked with a return to England.
Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane faced a similar line of questioning moments after Real won its third Club World Cup, and the Frenchman echoed the sentiments of his star player. "(Cristiano) never lets us down," Zidane offered.
"He is always there in the key moments. Of course I would like him to sign a new contract already. Nobody does what he does."