Cristiano Ronaldo Respect Wanted by Real Madrid After Spanish Tax Allegations

Real Madrid have backed Cristiano Ronaldo and demanded he be granted "the utmost respect" in the wake of recent allegations of tax evasion. 

A statement on the Real website reaffirmed the club's support for the Portuguese superstar:

"

In view of the stories published over recent days and in consideration of the certificate issued by the Spanish Tax Agency which confirms that our player Cristiano Ronaldo is up to date with all of his tax obligations, Real Madrid C. F. call for the utmost respect to be shown towards Cristiano Ronaldo, whose conduct has been absolutely exemplary throughout all of his time at our club.

"

Three time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo has been accused recently of dodging taxation on his image rights by keeping assets in a so-called tax haven, per Spanish newspaper El Confidencial citing the Football Leaks website (via Mark Ashenden of Sky Sports).

Per the European Investigative Collaborations consortium (h/t BBC News), the former Manchester United player, along with current Red Devils manager and compatriot Jose Mourinho, allegedly moved funds to the British Virgin Islands.

The football agency that represents both Ronaldo and Mourinho, Gestifute, denied the accusations, per BBC News. 

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

In further detail, the claim against Ronaldo alleged that he moved €63.5 million (£53.1 million) to the British Virgin Islands via two Irish companies at the end of 2014, just "11 days before Spain changed an advantageous tax law," per Dutch outlet NRC (via BBC News).

Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world and recently signed a new deal with Real that will keep him at the club until 2021 and reportedly pay him more than $50 million (£39.7 million, €46.7 million) a year, per Forbes' Kurt Badenhausen. 

The 31-year-old is favourite to be crowned the Ballon d'Or winner once again in 2016 after leading his club to UEFA Champions League glory and his country to victory at Euro 2016.

Ronaldo's 2016-17 campaign started slowly after he injured himself in the Euro 2016 final in France.

But he has now netted 10 times in 11 La Liga appearances as Real have moved six points clear at the top of the table.