Cristiano Ronaldo Unrest a Major Concern for Real Madrid's Prospects

Cristiano Ronaldo's reported unrest at Real Madrid could cause the club big problems this season as they look to retain the Champions League and win a 33rd Spanish title.

The Portuguese star has spoken out recently about his unhappiness with Los Blancos' summer transfer dealings, which saw Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso leave the club, per ESPN's Dermot Corrigan:

Indeed, Ronaldo's close friend Di Maria—who moved to Manchester United in the summer—suggests the former Red Devils star may be set to call it a day at the Bernabeu, per Paul Smith in The Independent:

"I don't know how much longer Ronaldo can put up with it at Madrid. I get the impression that he is not very happy."

Ronaldo himself has suggested recently that he wishes to return to Manchester someday, per Bleacher Report UK, a move that may come sooner rather than later if his grievances aren't dealt with by the Madrid outfit:

This would be catastrophic for Real, who—despite having a wealth of incredible talent—are reliant upon Ronaldo to give them the edge on the pitch.

Nowhere has this been better demonstrated than in their victorious European campaign last season, when Ronaldo scored 17 goals in 11 matches, per Squawka:

Without their talisman in 2013-14, Real would undoubtedly still be searching for the elusive La Decima. 

In a team of major stars—which now includes summer additions James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos—Ronaldo is undoubtedly the brightest.

He is the one who can take a game by the scruff of the neck and win it on his own if his teammates are not getting things done.

The other player who could do that previously was Di Maria—as demonstrated when Ronaldo and Gareth Bale were somewhat off their games in no less than the Champions League final, per BBC Sport's Phil McNulty—but he has gone now:

In addition to the effect Ronaldo's unrest may have on Real's footballing prospects, it may also affect their future ability to bring in the biggest stars, as they have so consistently done in the past.

Ronaldo is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has admitted to being aware of his most prized asset's concerns at Madrid, per Squawka:

"Ronaldo’s comments are based on things I am aware of and he is at liberty to divulge them. These comments have not surprised me and certainly not upset me."

What is revealed from Mendes' comments is that he is aware of problems at Madrid. As football journalist Rafael Hernandez points out, Mendes' clients are essential at Madrid:

If Mendes becomes disillusioned with the setup at Madrid and deals with Ronaldo's departure, he may become less inclined to do business with the club.

This would be something of a blow, considering the wealth of talent he represents and his huge influence on the transfer market, per sportingintelligence:

Ronaldo is arguably the best player in the world at the moment, and his influence at Madrid goes far beyond the considerable effect he has on the football field.

Some will argue that, at 29, Ronaldo is past his peak and is thus expendable if he is set to cause problems at Madrid.

However, that attitude underestimates the kind of effect an acrimonious departure from Ronaldo might have on the European champions.

The Bernabeu outfit need to deal with the situation quickly and effectively to diminish the risk of likely negative consequences in the future.