The one event that caused Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes to split

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes have reportedly split after nearly 20 years of working together.

Mendes was the man behind Ronaldo’s sensational record-breaking move from Manchester United to Real Madrid back in 2009 and oversaw his stunning return to Old Trafford last summer.

However, it has been reported that the pair’s relationship has deteriorated over the last 18 months.

According to Portuguese news outlet Publico, Mendes was not overly pleased with Ronaldo’s decision to go ahead with his explosive interview with Piers Morgan, which resulted in a bitter end to his second stint with United.

The report claimed that Mendes knew that any hopes of finding Ronaldo another top club in Europe had gone after the controversial interview.

It is believed that Ronaldo thought the offers would come in from big European clubs if he performed well in the 2022 World Cup.

However, Mendes was not so sure and knew that only Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr could match the 37-year-old’s salary expectations.

As a move to the Middle East edged ever closer, it was reported by A Bola that Ronaldo had ditched Mendes and hired a new ‘personal manager’ in the shape of Ricardo Regufe.

Ronaldo apparently first met Regufe when he was still playing for Madrid, the pair’s paths crossed when Ronaldo signed an agreement with a sports equipment company.

Alamy

After Ronaldo’s move to Al-Nassr was officially confirmed last week, Regufe is reportedly set to make a huge £26 million in commission whilst Mendes takes home absolutely nothing.

Upon signing for Al-Nassr, Ronaldo said: “It is a pleasure to be here. I will give my best for this club. My goal is to make people happy, to enjoy myself and to help the country be better and better.

“I know the league is very competitive. I have seen many games. I am ready to enjoy this, to smile and to still play football.”