Paulo Futre can’t see compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo staying at Real Madrid past the end of the season. ‘A lot has to change…’
Futre was speaking to Onda Cero’s Al Primer Toque and the former Atletico Madrid forward was asked about events at Santiago Bernabeu, starting with Rafa Benitez’s tenure.
“He was dead from the moment he was announced [as Coach], bets were already being taken,” Futre claimed, Marca reports.
“There were problems from the start, but it’s Real Madrid. We know they have the biggest name players, a big team, they’re just a few points off first place, and still in the Champions League, but we know what happened in the Copa del Rey.
“Benitez’s tenure didn’t start very well for them.”
Futre was then asked to weigh in on Ronaldo, and admitted he feels it is more likely than not the Portugal forward moves on in the summer.
“I think recent times have been a bit rare for Cristiano. He’s been disheartened and hasn’t had the love he needs,” Futre claimed.
“Now it’s a little better with the arrival of Zinedine Zidane. The big question is whether he will continue with Madrid or leave for Manchester [United] or Paris Saint-Germain.
“I think he will. I think a lot will have to change for him to stay. It’s Jorge Mendes’ last chance to do big business in Europe, so the situation is that if a major trophy is won, the League or the Champions League, we’ll see Cristiano away from Madrid.”
