Ronaldo claims ‘clear conscience’

Madrid – Cristiano Ronaldo insisted yesterday he had a “clear conscience” after Spanish prosecutors accused Real Madrid’s star forward of evading €14.7 million in tax through offshore companies.

“Conscience clear, always,” Ronaldo told reporters at Lisbon airport as he and his Portuguese team-mates prepared to fly out to the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Real Madrid earlier gave their backing to Ronaldo, releasing a statement saying the club had “full confidence in our player Cristiano Ronaldo, who we understand has acted in accordance with the legality regarding the fulfilment of his fiscal obligations”.

The 32-year-old Ronaldo follows in the footsteps of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, who was found guilty of the same offence last year. – AFP