Florentino Perez has once more asserted that he and Cristiano Ronaldo both want the player to continue at Real Madrid for the long term.
Ever since coming out in September determining that he was ‘sad’ at the club, Ronaldo has seen speculation link him with a move out of the Santiago Bernabeu.
It has continued into this summer’s transfer market, as reports continue to suggest the club are pushing for a contract renewal just as the 28-year-old is thinking otherwise.
However, in talking on the matter again, the recently reappointed Madrid President has asserted that Ronaldo is thinking along the same lines as he is.
“I am going to be as clear as possible. My aim, Cristiano's aim, and the aim of all Real Madrid fans is that he carries on playing here for many years to come,” Perez told Marca in an interview published today.
“And when so many people want the same thing then it usually turns out to be the case.
“I myself and Real Madrid both want that. The player, Cristiano Ronaldo wants that…
“Yes [he wants that], without a shadow of a doubt.”
Perez was prompted that Madrid’s ambition to keep hold of the Portuguese was to match Barcelona’s continued relationship with Lionel Messi.
“Real Madrid doesn't want Ronaldo just because Barça has Messi. We want him for the duration because he is the best player in the world, Messi or no Messi.
“And what's more we have him. He has two years left on his contract. Anyone would think he was leaving tomorrow.
“What we would like is for him to stay even longer. The future of our project revolves around him.
“Teams always depend largely on one great player. At one time it was [Alfredo] Di Stefano, later on it was [Zinedine] Zidane. Now it is clear the focus is on Ronaldo.
“There is nothing better than having the best player in the world in your team. We believe Ronaldo will go down in the club's history as being on a par with Di Stefano.
“Is Ronaldo aware of this ambition? We are always talking… If you're asking me if we've talked about money, then the answer is no.
“The time isn't right yet. That will have to wait till after he comes back from holiday.”
One report has suggested that image rights are an issue in proposed negotiations.
“Nooooo. I read and hear stuff that surprises me and has no basis in fact. I mean in relation to this matter as well as others.
“I have read that [Paris Saint-Germain] want €4m for [Carlo] Ancelotti. I can assure you that nobody has asked me for this or any other amount.
“Do you really believe that with all the money PSG has, another €4m is going to make any difference?
“Now if the figure was 40 or 60…”
