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Topics: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Valladolid, La Liga
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Valladolid, La Liga
Real Valladolid fans voiced their anger towards club president Ronaldo Nazario during their La Liga clash against Mallorca at the weekend.
The former Brazil forward, who acquired a majority stake in the Spanish club in 2018 for €30 million, has overseen two promotions and a relegation during his time as owner.
But there is tension amongst Valladolid supporters with the overall situation at present.
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At the start of April, the club parted ways with manager Jose 'Pacheta' Rojo after 75 games in charge – a decision that strongly divided opinion.
And in addition to that sacking, there has been anger over Ronaldo's lack of voice when it comes to defending the interests of Valladolid, according to Argentine publication Ole.
For a number of weeks, fans have plastered banners around the stadium and training complex, with one saying: "Ronaldo defends Real Madrid? Valladolid! 84″
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And during Sunday's clash against Mallorca, those inside the Estadio Jose Zorrilla made their feelings known towards Nazario, with chants of "Ronaldo go now!" being heard from the terraces.
This, however, isn't the first time Ronaldo has come under scrutiny. Two seasons ago, posters appeared demanding that the president stop playing tennis and concentrate on the Spanish club.
Back in 2021, it was revealed that Ronaldo Nazario turned down an opportunity to buy both Brentford and Charlton Athletic, before choosing to invest in Spanish side Real Valladolid.
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Speaking to FourFourTwo, Ronaldo says he was contacted by the two London clubs asking if he would be interested in making an investment.
"I was looking for a team to buy and had the help of a few people with it," explained the two-time World Cup winner.
"There were plenty of opportunities in England, and still are, but since the local leagues are probably the most organised and valuable in the world, the clubs there end up having a far higher valuation than anywhere else in Europe. It's really interesting.
"Now we all see the Premier League leading the way in the football industry while the other leagues are doing their best to catch up financially, because competing with English football is so difficult these days.
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He added: "Back then, there were some opportunities. Brentford were one of the teams offered to me; I got to talk with them and understand the business plan, and it was very nice.
"There were also clubs in the third tier with massive potential - Charlton, a London side with big tradition, approached me as well.
"But these were all opportunities requiring investment of more than £50m. In the end, I decided to purchase Valladolid for a cheaper price and keep the quality of life that I have in Madrid.
"The short distance between Madrid and Valladolid is very important because it allows me to stay close to my business the whole time, so I think it was the best decision that I could have made."