By Stefan Coerts
Cristiano Ronaldo who according to paddy power is the favorite to win the ballon d’or this year has insisted that he wants to see out his contract with Real Madrid amid rumours that Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing the Portugal international.
The 27-year-old, who arrived at Santiago Bernabeu from Manchester United in the summer of 2009, has a contract with the Blancos until June 2015, and he says he has no intention of leaving the Spanish champions any time soon.
“I want to see out my contract at Real Madrid: I’m very clear about that. After that, well, I don’t know what will happen in the future,” the prolific attacker told Fifa.com.
“Am I happy? Honestly, yes. I’m doing something I like, something that I enjoy. I know how fortunate I am and I feel very fulfilled.”
Ronaldo then went on to defend head coach Jose Mourinho against recent criticism, and stressed that the former Inter boss deserves more credit.
“People do protest and you have to respect that, though I think they should be a bit patient with him [Mourinho]. To me it’s very clear that Mourinho always wants what’s best for the club and will fight to the death to defend it.
“All of us who work alongside him know that, but you’ve still got to show respect for the fans’ opinion. In my view he’s the best coach in the world, he’s got loads of experience and has won everything there is to win.”
Like Mourinho, Ronaldo has been surrounded by controversy over the years, but the attacker has learned to live with it.
“I don’t know [why I’m surrounded by controversy]. I can’t answer that question with total certainty, because it’s something I’ve asked myself too. People who know me and those who’ve played alongside me know what kind of a guy I am.
“Those who don’t know me can say and think whatever they want. I’m able to respect those who criticise me, because I know they’ve got the wrong idea about me. You just have to learn to live with it because criticism is part of life for every footballer, for everybody in fact.”
Ronaldo has been in fine form for Madrid this term, netting 28 goals in as many official games. He was runner-up to Barcelona star Lionel Messi in the Ballon d’Or last week.
