Cristiano Ronaldo has offered another hint that his future lies away from Real Madrid by insisting reports he has signed new contract with the club are "false".
Madrid president Florentino Perez has made re-signing the Portugal international his number one priority and said he hopes Ronaldo retires with the club. But with some reports circulating that a deal was close, the 28-year-old, who has been reluctant to enter talks, took to Twitter to say this was not the case.
“All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are false,” Ronaldo said.
There has been regular speculation about his future at Madrid over the past few months with reports linking him with a number of clubs in England and France, most notably Manchester United, Paris St Germain and Monaco.
Madrid have shown no sign of being willing to sell a player who remains under contract until 2015. Perez claimed last weekend Ronaldo was ready to talk about a new deal, but also confirmed that no formal discussions had taken place yet.
“I am going to be as clear as possible,” Perez told Marca. ”My aim, Cristiano’s aim, and the aim of all Real Madrid fans is that he carries on playing here for many years to come. And when so many people want the same thing then it usually turns out to be the case. I myself and Real Madrid both want that. The player, Cristiano Ronaldo wants that...Without a shadow of a doubt.
“He has two years left on his contract. Anyone would think he was leaving tomorrow. What we would like is for him to stay even longer. The future of our project revolves around him.”
Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has his set his heart on a move to Real Madrid, according to his father, but, according to his mother, he is in talks with Manchester City, as well, while Chelsea have spoken to Napoli about the marksman.
The 26-year-old is one possible target for the Spanish side as they search for a replacement for outgoing Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain.
Chelsea and City are also tracking the Uruguayan, who scored 36 goals in all competitions last season.
“Cavani’s intention is to play for Madrid,” Luis Cavani told Futboleros. “He is excited about it and is very willing to see it through. He has told the family in private that he wants to join Real Madrid but if he declares it publicly it will annoy Napoli.”
He added that representatives from Madrid had already held talks with the player but is concerned that Napoli’s valuation of his son may prove a stumbling block.
“There has been contact with Real Madrid’s lawyers and now we are waiting for the two clubs to meet,” he said. “I hope it happens and that talks take place as soon as possible. Who wouldn’t want to play for Real Madrid?
“It’s not just up to Edi. They are talking about €65 million and Napoli won’t negotiate for any less.”
However, his mother insists there may be more to it than that.
“Edi is dealing with Real Madrid and City,” she told Uruguayan radio. “Napoli president De Laurentiis has spoken with Chelsea, but so far there is nothing concrete.”
She added: “In two or three weeks we will know Edinson’s future. As soon as we know something concrete you will be the first to know. In any case, I assure you Edinson loves Naples and if he has to go, he will never forget the love and affection of the people and fans there.”
