Cristiano Ronaldo Comments on Relationship with Real Madrid, Future at Club

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo broke his silence to respond to rumours claiming he has issues with the club and could be looking for a transfer during the summer, telling Portuguese newspaper A Bola (h/t AS) he's happy in the Spanish capital and plans to stay with Los Blancos for the foreseeable future.

The Portugal international called Real Madrid “the best club in the world” and asserted he wants to win silverware next season, saying:

"

I’ve not talked to anyone from the press for some time; I’ve made an exception now for A Bola to reassert that stories [that have been published] are absolutely false and are aimed only at creating conflicts between Real Madrid and me.

I’m very happy at the club and very focused and have faith in a new season full of success. I repeat again that I’m at the best club in the world and at the best club in the word I want to get back to winning.

"

According to AS, it was the first interview the star forward gave since the heavy loss at the hands of Atletico Madrid in February.

Ronaldo and Real suffered heartbreak at the end of the 2014-15 season, losing the Spanish title to Barcelona and dropping out of the Champions League race following a loss against Juventus. Manager Carlo Ancelotti was fired, and the rumour mill immediately started spinning.

As time passed and Ronaldo remained silent, the constant stream of reports started taking on grotesque proportions. Metro's Jamie Sanderson claimed Manchester United were eyeing his return, as well as a move for Gareth Bale, and the Independent even suggested Ronaldo would cut his holiday short to convince Sergio Ramos to stay with Los Blancos.

Meanwhile, via BBC Sport, former Real manager John Toshack believes Ronaldo will leave the club before Bale does:

With all these reports and rumours swirling, it's easy to see why Ronaldo felt he needed to take the time to clarify a few things. He's been Real's star man ever since he first joined the club and had another prolific season in 2014-15―from the club's standpoint, there's absolutely no reason to sell.

And while the relationship between Ronaldo and club president Florentino Perez has come under question―Richard Fitzpatrick recently devoted an entire article to the topic for Bleacher Report―the player himself is yet to give any indication he may be open to leaving Real.

In all likelihood, he simply isn't. Ronaldo has found much success with Los Blancos, who are arguably the best club in the world, and there's no reason to believe the success won't continue in 2015-16. Players like James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos will have had a full season to adapt to Spanish football, and Real should be among the favourites for both the Spanish and Champions League title.

Of course, as one of the world's best players, the rumour mill will never go quiet when it comes to Ronaldo. The Portuguese star can publicly state how happy he is in Madrid as often as he wants―it won't stop people from stirring the pot. 

Follow @ReverschPass