Zinedine Zidane Responds To Reports Cristiano Ronaldo Wants To Leave

It's at this time every season, and other times if we're totally honest, that Cristiano Ronaldo will get linked with leaving Real Madrid, often to join former side Manchester United and Zinedine Zidane has replied to this year's link.

Pretty much ever since Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for Real Madrid for a world record transfer fee in the summer of 2009 the Portuguese superstar has been rumoured to be making a return to Old Trafford.

Of course last summer the five time Ballon d'Or winner told Los Blancos that he never wanted to play in Spain again which soon led to him playing in Spain again, shock.

_{Check out what Ronaldo could spend his wages on:}

He is bloody good but he hasn't been this season. Image: PA Images.

There has been strong rumours that Real are looking at signing Neymar as Ronaldo's replacement and according to Spanish paper AS he's recently told colleagues he wants to leave again because Florentino Perez hasn't stuck to some promises.

So what does his manager think of it all? Well Zidane spoke in a press conference ahead of his team Copa del Rey quarter final this week and said this about Ronaldo:

"I am not worried, we know that you can talk and argue outside, but inside here Cristiano has to think about playing as always he has done. I would prefer to talk about his performances and what he gives to the team.

"I cannot imagine a Madrid without Cristiano. This is his club and where he should be. The club, the fans and everyone loves him.

"I always say the same thing about Cristiano, I cannot see Madrid without him and what concerns me is the sporting side. As always, in a difficult moment he is there. I do not want to talk about this, the contract and these things. Cristiano is old for all this. It is the club that needs to talk with him."

_{Check out our video of the transfers that never were:}

Could this be the year that Ronaldo leaves? Image: PA Images.

All good points from Zidane of course but there are some issues. Of course one of them is that right now the Frenchman can't exactly be certain he'll be manager next season.

More than that though is Ronaldo's form. The former Sporting winger has only scored four goals in La Liga this season and whilst that still makes him the side's joint top scorer it's not a good tally.

Topics: Football News, Manchester United, Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, La Liga

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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