Over the course of the last week, it has emerged that Cristiano Ronaldo’s place at Real Madrid suddenly is not guaranteed. The current Ballon d’Or holder, at 32-years-old, has made public that he is not content at the Bernabeu and could seek to depart.
There are few clubs seriously capable of producing the kind of transfer fee capable of persuading Madrid to part with their talisman. Bayern Munich have already ruled themselves out of the running for the Portuguese, while Manchester United represent a likelier destination.
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However, another alternative lies in France, where Paris Saint-Germain are eager for a superstar to pick up the mantle left by Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he departed 12 months ago. They have been unable to replace the Swede and last term were surprisingly beaten to the Ligue 1 title by Monaco.
Here are five reasons why Ronaldo might consider such an apparently unconventional move:
#1 The opportunity to become a legend… again
Ronaldo is already considered to be one of Real Madrid’s greatest players ever – if not the best. The Portuguese has won everything there is in Spain, including the Champions League in three of the last four seasons. It has taken him seven years to attain such heights, but in just a handful he could gain similar status in another league.
PSG’s goal is to win the Champions League, and if they are to do so they need world-class talents – which only a handful of players can provide. Since losing Ibrahimovic, they no longer have that spark but they believe Ronaldo could be that special player who inspires them to a first European crown.
If he did go to the Parc des Princes and lead the side to such glory, he would eclipse even Ibra. He would be forever remembered as the man who ‘created’ PSG.
#2 To extend his career
A move to Ligue 1 could prolong Ronaldo’s career. The Portuguese superstar retains an incredible physical condition and phenomenal appetite for work, yet playing at a marginally lower level on a weekly basis – but for very good money – could allow him to play for another two or three years at the top level.
Due to international commitments – Euro 2016, the 2017 Confederations Cup and the 2018 World Cup – Ronaldo will effectively go close to four years without a significant break. That is sure to take its toll on his body at some point, so it may be wise to account for that when planning his future.
#3 To enhance his business interests
Paris is the world’s most marketable city and Ronaldo is the game’s most marketable footballer – so what better combination to work together to further the commercial aspirations of both? The Real Madrid ace has numerous business interests away from the field and could enhance those by moving to one of the most powerful cities in the world.
With his playing career likely to come to a close in the next few years – the forward is liable to take that into account when choosing his next move if there is to be any transfer. PSG have already shown their strength in the marketing world by becoming one of football’s quickest growing brands in the last six years, and Ronaldo could benefit from that.
#4 For a less stressful personal life
Although PSG are one of Europe’s great clubs, Paris is not a football city in the way that Madrid is. Incredibly, he has been booed by Real fans in the recent past, while his relationship with Jose Mourinho is reportedly fractious and, therefore, complicates a move to Manchester.
In France, there are neither of these obstacles – he would arrive as the darling of the Parc, where his flair and scoring power would be heartily welcomed by the fans. Moreover, he would find himself under less scrutiny and, therefore, less pressure. He could live a more normal life in the French capital, which is certainly something that Ibrahimovic thrived under.
Playing in Madrid is like playing in a goldfish bowl, with every action scrutinised. He would not find that to the same degree in Paris and would, therefore, be able to enjoy something more akin to a private life. After seven years of playing at the world’s biggest club, and especially now there is a tax case hanging over him, that must feel like an appealing prospect.
Paris, the fashion capital of the world, is a city that is often enjoyed by the partners of the players, too.
#5 For a completely new challenge
Ronaldo has played his whole professional career at just three clubs and has now spent the bulk of it with Madrid. He has won everything he possibly could with the Bernabeu outfit and was equally successful with Manchester United, having moved to Old Trafford from Sporting CP as a youth.
With PSG he would discover a new league, a new style and a new city. It could be his final opportunity to start over in his career, his last chance to conquer a new destination.
Meanwhile, the club’s Brazilian contingent means that there are plenty of Portuguese speakers already on the books, so settling in should pose few issues, particularly if Real Madrid team-mate Pepe joins up, as is expected to be the case.
