Cristiano Ronaldo is refusing to discuss his long-term future at Real Madrid until he has helped the Spanish champions atone for their disappointing start to the season.
The Portugal forward has been the subject of intense speculation since admitting he felt “sad” at the Bernabéu for professional reasons in September.
Recent reports have suggested Ronaldo is stalling over an offer to extend his stay in Madrid beyond 2015, with Paris St-Germain said to be interested in acquiring the 27-year-old.
The future of Real’s coach, José Mourinho, is similarly unclear, with the club trailing Barcelona by 16 points amid rumours of unrest behind the scenes.
Committed to project
But in an interview with the Spanish newspaper AS, Ronaldo restated his commitment to Mourinho’s project, which continues against Real Sociedad next Sunday.
He said: “I feel great and I’m convinced that this year will be better than last year. I’m feeling good and ready to do my best, as always, and to be better than last year.”
When asked about his contract, Ronaldo said: “That subject has already been spoken about. I won’t talk about my contract renewal any more, it’s not important.
“The most important thing is winning our next matches. We are contesting La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League and it’s important that we all stick together.
Feeling more comfortable
“Right now I’m feeling more comfortable with the fans, not just at the Bernabéu, where I’ve always felt good, but outside too. They have shown me a lot of love.
“I want to pay them back in the best way possible, which is playing well and giving my all for the shirt and helping Madrid get to the top.”
Ronaldo said he was also looking forward to meeting with his old club in the Champions League, with Manchester United visiting the Bernabéu in the last 16. “I still have great feeling of friendship and love for them. They’re a team that have done a lot for my career. The fans know me well and I have a lot of friends there that I keep close to my heart.
“But now I am defending Real Madrid’s colours. It’s a bit of a sad feeling I guess, but I want to score, and for us to win, and that would make everything better.”
Some reports have suggested Ronaldo might be lured to a big-spending club like Paris St Germain or that he may return to Manchester United who sold him to Real for a record fee of €94 million in 2009.
