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Ronaldo begins divorce proceedings with Real
(China Daily)
Updated: 2006-03-01 06:14
MADRID: Four years after Ronaldo forced his way out of Inter Milan to join
the ranks of the Galacticos at Real Madrid, his relationship with the Spanish
giants appears to be heading for divorce.
The Brazilian striker dropped the break-up bombshell before last week's
Champions League defeat by Arsenal, saying the club's supporters did not love
him.
"The fans have never accepted me and their reaction is something to take into
account when thinking about my future," said the three-times World Player of the
Year.
"I've always said that I don't want to be where I'm not loved. I've never
felt at home at the Bernabeu, the fans have never treated me with affection."
The timing of the announcement, on the eve of the club's biggest game of the
season, was no accident and the presence of the international media was designed
to give it maximum impact.
To put it simply, Ronaldo believes he has put a lot into his partnership with
Real and now he wants out.
Together with goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Ronaldo has been Real's most
consistent performer over the past four years, scoring regularly and often
spectacularly.
He netted within seconds of making his debut against Alaves in October 2002
and has notched 96 goals in the four seasons since then.
Casillas and Ronaldo were the driving forces that propelled Real to their
last major trophy, the 2003 league title, but it has not been enough to win over
the Bernabeu faithful.
Barcelona past
One thing that undoubtedly rankles with some fans is that he used to play for
arch-rivals Barcelona and produced the most magical form of his club career for
the Catalans in the 1996-97 season.
Also, unlike fellow forward Raul, he does not fit the mould of the
hard-working club hero whose success is based on buckets of sweat and not a few
tears.
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