Real Madrid Transfer News: Cristiano Ronaldo's Future Discussed by Jorge Mendes

Jorge Mendes, Cristiano Ronaldo's agent, has stated his belief the superstar will remain at Real Madrid for the rest of his career.

According to Sky Sports (h/t Mirko Calemme of AS), he said: "He’s the best player of all time and I am sure that he will play the next four, five, six, seven years at Real Madrid; he will end his career there. He’s happy with Los Blancos; he’ll hang up his boots when he’s 40."

Ronaldo has been the subject of much speculation, with Sky Sports noting he has long been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain or a return to Manchester United, while it has frequently been reported he does not get on with Madrid boss Rafa Benitez.

Mendes' comments are presumably well-informed given his relationship with the player, but a player of Ronaldo's stature will forever invite speculation on his future, particularly when he refuses to rule out a move elsewhere, as reported by Sky Sports.

That said, Benitez is under immense pressure at the Santiago Bernabeu and may well be gone by the end of the season, so the Spaniard may not be set to have a big impact on Ronaldo's future at the club.

Meanwhile, his most likely destinations—PSG and United—present their own problems.

Les Parisiens hold a 19-point lead in Ligue 1 this season—meaning second-placed Monaco are closer to the relegation zone than they are to PSG—and Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News believes this indicates Ronaldo might not be so keen to join:

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are seriously struggling under Louis van Gaal, and unless they can dramatically change their tedious and uninspiring play in the final third, Ronaldo might hold concerns over hitting his customary haul of goals each season.

Football writer Liam Canning believes even he could not turn things around at United under the Dutchman:

"

Genuinely think LvG would stop Ronaldo/Neymar/Messi from scoring in this side.

— Liam (@OffsideLiam) December 12, 2015"

Of course, like Benitez, Van Gaal might soon be out of a job, but for United to get back to where they were during Ronaldo's last spell at the club could take years, and at almost 31, he may not want to wait that long.

As for whether Ronaldo is the best ever, many might disagree in favour of legendary players such as Pele, Diego Maradona or contemporary rival Lionel Messi.

VALERY HACHE/Getty Images

Ronaldo—who has scored an astonishing 514 goals for club and country so far in his career—deserves great recognition.

However, many former players and pundits, including Johan Cruyff (h/t football writer Clark Whitney) and Sky Sports' Guillem Balague, believe he is better described as a great goalscorer than player, but nevertheless, it's a subjective debate that will never be resolved:

Being Ronaldo's agent, Mendes' praise for his client is unsurprising and should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Ronaldo is certainly one of the best of his generation, though, and he will without doubt continue to add to his incredible tally for years to come.

As for whether he does so with Madrid, despite Mendes' assurances, it's far from set in stone he'll remain in the Spanish capital.