Ron remains ‘ motivated’

> Taking Confederations Cup very seriously amids Real Madrid exit talk

CRISTIANO RONALDO (pix) is “motivated” and not letting talk of him forcing a move away from Real Madrid get to him, according to Portugal teammate Andre Silva.

According to Portuguese daily A Bola, the 32-year-old, who is currently on international duty with Portugal for the Confederations Cup, has been left angered at his treatment by Spanish tax authorities and now wishes to leave the country.

But Silva, who completed a big-money switch to AC Milan from Porto earlier this month, insists the four-time Champions League winner remains focused on his country’s upcoming matches.

“Regarding Ronaldo, he is motivated, and what I can see is that he is taking the competition very seriously and is totally dedicated to training and thinking about the game against Mexico,” Silva told reporters ahead of the European champions’ opening game today morning.

“As for my partnership with Ronaldo, it’s a dream. Since I began playing on big stages I always imagined playing alongside him or playing on the same level as him. I’m happy to play with my captain.”

With Ronaldo now supposedly looking for a move out of Spain, the player has already been linked to a series of top European clubs.

Paris Saint-Germain have been long-term admirers of the Madeira-born star and held a number of secret meetings with him over a transfer during the 2015/16 season.

Club president Nasser ElKhelaifi would jump at another chance to sign Ronaldo, even if there were suggestions he leveraged PSG’s interest to boost the multi-million euro contract extension he signed last year.

Manchester United, too, would be keen on bringing Ronaldo back to Old Trafford. Ed Woodward remains obsessed by star appeal and signing football’s biggest individual brand would tick every box as United look to return to being title challengers. – The Independent