CRISTIANO RONALDO UNHAPPY WITH REAL MADRID PAY DEAL

Despite firing Real Madrid 10 points clear at the top of La Liga and bagging 37 goals in 36 games this season, Cristiano Ronaldo is apparently still not happy.

Spanish daily Sport claims the Portuguese superstar, who became the most expensive player ever when he joined Madrid from Manchester United in an £80million deal in 2009, is unhappy with his current contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 27-year-old's deal with Madrid included a clause stating that he must be the highest paid player in world football, which up until last summer was the case, before Samuel Eto'o sealed his £300,ooo-a-week move to big-spending Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

As a result Ronaldo's agent, Jorge Mendes, is understood to have raised the issue with Madrid officials during negotiations over Pepe's new contract earlier this season, where he received guarantees the club would address the situation

However, no new deal has been forthcoming which, coupled with Ronaldo's uneasy relationship with Madrid fans after he was jeered earlier this season, has led to speculation of a return to the English Premier League this summer.

Ronaldo has been at pains to express that he is happy in the Spanish capital and said even hinted on a visit to Dubai at the end of last year that he would be willing to remain with Madrid until the end of his career. Whether that now remains the case remains to be seen.

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Player Ratings: Rayo Vallecano 0-1 Real Madrid

 Real Madrid CF

Iker Casillas

63

7

6.5

Marcelo

54

7

6.0

Sergio Ramos

Flop of the Match

41

61

4.5

Pepe

53

9

6.0

Lucky to get away with a stamp on Piti early in the game as the negative aspect to his play appeared once again. Given problems by the pace and movement of Armenteros, Michu and Diego Costa but made one great second-half intervention and was more solid than his central defensive partner.

Arbeloa

32

19

5.0

A tidy game on the whole but he doesn't offer enough going forward and Madrid missed an attacking full-back down the right-hand side. He was turned easily by Piti as well and will have been happy to see his rival's rifled effort rebound against the post.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Top of the Match

171

26

7.5

The pick of the bunch for his side once more and eventually made the difference with a quite stunning backheeled effort as he improvised with his back to goal. Came close to another when he lashed into the side netting and tested Joel with a fierce free-kick as well.

Xabi Alonso

40

16

5.5

Less involved than usual as Madrid struggled in the centre of the park. Unable to find his usual range of passing and was guilty of losing the ball at times. Worked hard for the entire 90 minutes and looked more comfortable in a midfield three late on.

Kaká

56

49

4.5

It's either good or bad from the Brazilian of late and this was very much the latter as he struggled to make any impact at all. Unable to pick out Higuain's runs, offered little defensively and looked both slow and sluggish. Replaced on the hour.

Sami Khedira

51

8

6.0

Worked hard defensively and provided much-needed support for his back four, but didn't do much positive work with the ball. His exaggerated reaction (he may have fallen awkwardly) saw Michu sent off late on when it wasn't even a foul.

Mesut Özil

55

23

5.5

Ozil had little joy after wasting a good opportunity early on, when he had been set up by Marcelo. Worked hard but was lacking his usual trickery and the game passed him by much of the time.

Gonzalo Higuaín

30

33

5.0

A willing runner, but he didn't look sharp. Made a mess of a one-on-one with Joel early on as he delayed and was forced wide by the Rayo defence. Beaten to another ball by the goalkeeper in the second half and drifted offside too often. Disappointing.

• Substitutions

Fabio Coentrao

38

9

5.5

Came on and tucked in at left-back as Marcelo moved forward. Defended bravely and worked tirelessly as Madrid were left hanging on at the end.

Esteban Granero Molina

30

10

5.0

Came on for the last 10 minutes to close up the midfield as Marcelo made way.

Callejón

38

9

5.5

Looked lively a

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Cristiano Ronaldo: "Everyone was surprised by my heel shot goal because no one expected it"

"It was a messy game, especially in the opening minutes, because neither team had control of it. The coach spoke to us during half-time and we concentrated harder. We're very proud of the job we did because these three points will help us win the title."

"I didn't even think when I scored. I just hit the ball with my heel and therefore surprised the defenders and the goalkeeper. I hit it strongly enough so they couldn't stop it. It gave us the victory, so it's worth twice us much to us."

"We shouldn't focus on what others do so long as we do our job right."

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Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to rule out Manchester United return Cristiano Ronaldo refuses to rule out Manchester United return

The Portugal international star is determined to break his own league goalscoring record and stated that a move back to the Premier League giants is a possibility

Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out the possibility of a return to Manchester United in the future.The Portugal international broke the world record transfer fee in 2009, when he joined Madrid from Manchester United in a €94 million deal after helping the Red Devils to win three Premier League titles and one Champions League crown, among other trophies.Spanish TV show Punto Pelota found out that Rio Ferdinand had uploaded a video of a short conversation with the 27-year-old after Madrid's 4-0 victory against Racing Santander on Saturday to an iPhone application.Questioned by his former team-mate on a return to Old Trafford, Ronaldo said: "You never know, my friend."The former Sporting Lisbon talent also stated that he is determined to break the record for the most Primera Division goals in a single season, which he holds after netting 40 times in the competition in 2010-11.

"Will I break my record? Of course, man," he said.

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'Current Real Madrid team better than the Galacticos' - Sevilla coach Michel

The former Blancos star reckons Jose Mourinho's men are an improvement from the infamous side of the early 2000s, but stresses they must win trophies to prove their superiority

Sevilla coach Michel has claimed that the present Real Madrid team are stronger than the Galacticos side under the leadership of Vicente del Bosque.

The current Spain boss presided over a glittered four-year spell in the capital between 1999 and 2003, winning two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies with the likes of Raul, Zinedine Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo at his disposal.

However, the 48-year-old Michel, who spent the majority of his playing career at Madrid, is of the opinion the current squad assembled by Jose Mourinho has the potential to better the team that once reigned supreme a decade ago.

"On paper, maybe [the current team] is more spectacular, but Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, Hierro, Roberto Carlos and Raul are players in the history of Real Madrid and the history of world football," Michel was quoted as saying by AS.

But despite acknowledging their improvements, Michel posed the reminder that Mourinho's men must now start picking up more silverware if they are to be remembered as a great Madrid team in the future.

"They have to win things, as their predecessors won La Liga titles and Champions Leagues," he added. "They must continue the cycle, even though they are stronger on paper." 

Madrid are currently 10 points clear at the Liga summit with 15 games to play, while they remain in the hunt for the Champions League, having drawn 1-1 with CSKA Moscow away from home in the first leg of their last 16 tie on Tuesday.

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Mourinho hints his Real Madrid future does not depend on winning the Champions League

The ex-Chelsea boss stated that his decisions to leave Porto and Inter were not prompted by European triumph, and added that his team will continue to give their all in La Liga

Jose Mourinho has made it clear that his Real Madrid future is not contingent on winning the Champions League.

After claiming Europe's most coveted trophy with both Porto and Inter, Mourinho left each side almost immediately, but has revealed that neither decision was a result of his success in the tournament."With Porto, I left because I thought it was the time to leave - I had other ambitions, and with Inter I [had] decided to leave before the final," he revealed to TVE.

Despite Mourinho's illustrious history in the Champions League, the former Chelsea boss has now revealed that his priority remains victory in the domestic league.

"For me, the league, in its conception, is so important because the best team always wins it. In the Champions League, the team that wins is not always the best.

"When you win the league, it's very good for a coach's self-esteem, because he knows he has done well throughout the year."

The 49-year-old also had a word on his team's clash against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, stating that his players have to do their best to cope with the adverse weather conditions.

"The cold cannot influence us. It's not fair to be playing in these temperatures, but players' mentality will have to draw strength from their mentality.

"We have to be head-strong, and when we are, the group is united and has ambition."

Finally, Mourinho revealed that his side were going to continue fighting in La Liga, despite their hefty 10-point advantage over second-placed Barcelona.

"In the championship, I will not give away one iota and we'll play every game as though we were level on points with Barcelona.

"The proof of this is that two or three days before the game in Moscow, I played with everyone against Racing."

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Player Ratings Real Madrid CF 4-0 Racing

 Real Madrid CF

Iker Casillas 5.5

Pepe             6.0

Sergio Ramos 6.0

Marcelo    6.5

Raphaël Varane 6.0

Kaká  7.5

Mesut Özil  5.5

Esteban Granero 6.5

Xabi Alonso 6.5

Cristiano Ronaldo 6.5

Karim Benzema 7.0

• Substitutions 

Ricardo Carvalho 5.5

Sami Khedira  6.0

Ángel Fabián Di María 7.5

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Mourinho: "The most positive thing at this stage in the season is to win without suffering"

"I like the final score, but what I most like is taking another three points and having one game less to play. We won without much brilliance, but without much effort either. It's important to have as many players as possible available to us now that we'll play a game every three days."

"Di Maria brings certain characteristics to the team that we've lacked in his absence. He allows us to make different transitions when we recover the ball and attack. His recovery is very important."

"Khedira is a very good option for us. Everyone's available save for Lass and Altintop. The former may not be able to play in Moscow, but he'll be back soon. Altintop is still recovering."

"Higuain didn't train all week, but, as the professional he is, he wanted to be here. It is important to have him on the bench because we only have two pure centre forwards. He would have played had I needed him, but there was no reason to take risks. I didn't want him to play because he is very important to us."

"I love my former sides Inter Milan and Chelsea, and their fans as well. I'd rather those fans supported their teams and their coaches rather than me. I'm their past, and a very good one at that, so they remember me. I'm no longer there and they should fight together instead of thinking about those who aren't there any more."

"People criticise us managers when we do a bad job, and sometimes this can be very harsh. The press is also criticised for doing a bad job itself. I believe it's bad journalism when a newspaper demands that a suspended footballer plays."

"Our eyes are now on the Champions League and we must focus on our match against CSKA Moscow. We're all happy. We have two days in which to recover. We're a happy bunch and we are very motivated for the match, but we know playing in Moscow will be difficult."

"Di Stefano is Di Stefano and no one at this club can be compared to him."

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'Jose Mourinho is happy at Real Madrid' - Director Emilio Butragueno

It was claimed last month that the Portuguese had already decided to quit the club at the end of the season and he has been heavily linked with Tottenham of late

 Emilio Butragueno is in no doubt that coach Jose Mourinho will still be at the club next season.

It was reported in January that the former Chelsea boss had already decided to leave the Spanish capital in the summer and, in recent days, he has been heavily linked with taking over at Tottenham for Harry Redknapp, who is widely expected to take charge of England.

However, Butragueno insists that Mourinho, who arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2010, is going nowhere.

"He has two years left on his contract and is happy at the club," the former Spain international is quoted as saying by Marca. "I have not talked to him, but I know that he is. 

"The debate may be [going on] in the English press, but not at the club. In fact, next season is designed for him."

Mourinho led Madrid to the Copa del Rey title last season and his troops are currently 10 points clear of rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

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Mourinho: It would be a success even if we beat Barcelona to La Liga title by just one point

The outspoken Portuguese has admitted that he would like his side to wrap up the league as early as possible, but would happily take a one-point cushion at the end of the season

Jose Mourinho has insisted that it does not matter how significant his side's lead over Barcelona is at this stage of the season as long as the Blancos eventually win La Liga.

The Santiago Bernabeu outfit currently hold a 10-point advantage over their arch-rivals, but Mourinho is only interested in winning the league title at the end of the campaign, and he would be more than happy if they claimed the crown with just a one-point margin.

"It is clear that the advantage we hold over the second-placed team in the table is very good for us, and it puts Barcelona in a complicated situation," Mourinho said in a press conference.

"We have to keep on working in the same way, because our rivals are a great team who can put together a string of good results. 

"We want to win every game and decide the league as soon as possible. However, it would also be a success if we eventually win the title with only one point."

The Madrid boss then went on to discuss the situation of Nuri Sahin, and stressed that he can only field 10 players and a goalkeeper. He also revealed that Angel Di Maria is set to return to action.

"Sahin? Like I have previously said about Lassana Diarra and Esteban Granero, I have 20 [outfield] players in my squad, and I can only use 10 of them.

"Di Maria was ready to play a few minutes against Levante, but we preferred to let him rest so that he is recovered fully. He trained well this week and he is ready to play tomorrow [Saturday]."

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Real out to break records and Barca monopoly

Real Madrid's 10-point lead over Barcelona at the top of La Liga should be more than enough to secure a first title since 2008 and the focus has shifted to whether Jose Mourinho's fearsome side can smash the records for points and goals.

On current form - they have won 17 of 18 games since the end of September - they will easily outstrip the 99 points Barca accumulated in 2010 and are comfortably on course to beat the top mark of 107 goals set by John Toshack's Real team in 1990.

Real's consistency owes much to the form of La Liga top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 27 goals in 22 matches ahead of Saturday's game at home to struggling Racing Santander.

The creativity of Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria, who have 24 league assists between them, and solidity of central defenders Sergio Ramos and Pepe have been key, while strikers Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain have contributed regularly with vital goals.

Mourinho appears, too, to have imbued his players with greater self-belief, which has helped them to some impressive comeback wins both at home and on the road.

However, Barca's struggles on their travels - they lost 3-2 at Osasuna last weekend and have taken just 17 of 33 available points - is the principle reason why the battle for the league title looks to be over with just over half the season played.

"I am sure that the players and the coach will not concede a centimetre of their advantage," Real director of football Miguel Pardeza said on Wednesday.

"We are well positioned and the 10 points give us some room for error," the former Real player added.

"But now it's about avoiding carelessness because Barca is still a great rival and in sport you can't assume something is over until the goal has been completely achieved."

SPANISH TRADITION

For all their dominance over the rest of the teams in La Liga, Real face the real prospect of winning the title without managing to beat their arch rivals.

Barca, who host third-placed Valencia on Sunday, came from a goal down to secure a 3-1 success at Real's Bernabeu stadium in December, knocked Real out of the King's Cup over two legs in January and also beat them to win the season-opening Spanish Super Cup in August.

However, Real may have already clinched the title by the time they play at the Nou Camp at the end of April and if the Barca players have to applaud their rivals on to the pitch, as is the tradition in Spain, Mourinho and his troops will probably not care as much about the result.

A win for Valencia at the Nou Camp on Sunday, who are eight points ahead of their city rivals Levante in fourth, would trim the gap to Barca to five points.

Levante are at home to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, while fifth-placed Espanyol play at Getafe on Saturday and improving Atletico Madrid, in sixth, travel to Gijon to take on struggling Sporting on Sunday.

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Cristiano Ronaldo's goal echoes throughout the world

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal echoes throughout the world

The international press highlights the Portuguese's third strike against Levante

Just like Jose Mourinho predicted, Cristiano Ronaldo's amazing third goal against Levante has travelled around the world. Collected here are some of the comments made by the international press.

Marca (Spain): "Tricks abounded, but none was as impressive as Ronaldo's third goal, a fabulous shot that raised the crowd to its feet. It was an unforgettable strike that will travel around the world. It will make all the news as a stellar moment."

AS (Spain): "The third goal was marvellous. Rather than a long shot, it was a comet... It showcased prodigious power."

El Pais (Spain): "Ronaldo's self-portrait was a third goal worthy of the Prado Museum: he is a genius. His shot from outside the box and close to the left sideline was worthy of one of the chosen ones, of an elightened player. The ball elevated itself and landed violently before the Uruguayan goalkeeper. It was as also worthy of Roberto Carlos, who received tribute in Chamartin last night."

El Mundo: "Cristiano's shot turned the ball into a tomahawk, a homing missile."

A Bola (Portugal): "Ronaldo's third goal was one of the best this season. It was a shot form outside the box that surprised Levante keeper Munua."

Denoticias.pt (Portugal): "Real Madrid turned the score around again thanks to the artistry of Ronaldo, who scored a hat-trick. His first was a solid penalty on the 45-minute mark. The second a header in the 50th minute. And, finally, he scored the evening's highlight on the 57-minute mark with a true bomb."

La Gazetta dello Sport (Italy): "It fell like a rock. It was a powerful shot with the right foot close to the left corner of the box. The score changed to 3-1 and the player embraced Mourinho in celebration."

Corriere dello Sport (Italy): "Real Madrid defeated Levante thanks to the first class goal by the Portuguese striker."

Ole (Argentina): "Real Madrid became their true selves in the second half and quickly took the lead through Ronaldo. The Portuguese masterfully scored the 3-1 strike."

SkySports (UK): “Portuguese ace Ronaldo completed his hat-trick and his sixth of the season on 57 minutes with a stunning dipping shot over Levante keeper Gustavo Munua”

Daily Telegraph (UK): "Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a marvellous 30-yard shot that hit the rook of the net."

The Guardian (UK): "Ronaldo then completed the hat-trick, his 13th since joining Real for a world-record fee in 2009, with a dipping drive seven minutes later. It was the 27th goal of the campaign for the league's top scorer."

Sports Illustrated (USA): “It was a shot from outside the area seven minutes later that took a wicked dip over goalkeeper Gustavo Munua and into goal”

ESPN (USA): "Ronaldo completed his treble with a wonderful long-range effort on 57 minutes."

ESPN (Brazil): "The third was a tremendous strike. It was the perfect shot to round up Real's 4,000th goal at the Bernabeu. It was great, an unstoppable whop from outside the box. Cristiano celebrated with an unusual hug with Jose Mourinho."

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo: "It makes me very happy to hear the Bernabeu crowd sing my name"

Cristiano Ronaldo: "It makes me very happy to hear the Bernabeu crowd sing my name"

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"We knew the match would be difficult and we didn't have a good start. We changed after the first goal. We're fine and must keep this up till the end of the season, but there are still many games left."

"Goals happen thanks to the effort of the entire team. We're playing well and I'm having a good run that I want to keep up."

"I was extremely happy after scoring one goal and I wanted to celebrate it with the manager and his staff because we are all doing a great job."

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Player Ratings: Real Madrid 4-2 Levante

-

- Man of the Match [ Cristiano Ronaldo ]

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Jose Mourinho: "February is a harder month for us than for Barcelona"

Jose Mourinho: "February is a harder month for us than for Barcelona"

February is perhaps more complicated for us than for Barcelona," he told reporters at a press conference.

"We play against Levante, who are fourth in the standings, Racing [Santander], who are in recovery, Rayo Vallecano, who are surely one of the revelations of the tournament, and Espanyol, who are fighting to get into Europe.

"We have a number of difficult games in February that mean it is unlikely that any team has a more complicated series [of fixtures]," he stated adamantly.

"Levante should be applauded, but not just for winning that game, but by being where they are [in the table] in February," Mourinho added.

"Not in October or November, when everyone thought they would slip down the table. They have an impressive group of players, coaches and club."

Finally, the Portuguese was once more quizzed about his future, as speculation that he could leave the Spanish giants in the summer continues; however, the charismatic coach was reluctant to discuss the topic.

"I think you should know my answer. I am not the one feeding [these rumours]," said the coach.

"You should ask your sources, which for you are anonymous but for me more than anonymous are imaginary. No more to say"

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Van Persie: "I have a great desire to play with Real Madrid."

Van Persie: "I have a great desire to play with Real Madrid."

Real Madrid have Robin van Persie on their rader for 2012-13 season. The Dutch striker who is 28 year intersts Jose Mourinho and Madrid officers are aware of the situation. Van Persei contract ends in 2013 and and didn't renew his contract, so if Arsenal want to get money they are force to sell him this summer. Otherwise, he would go free at the end of the 12-13.

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Roberto Carlos: Pepe plays in Real Madrid's style

The Portugal defender has copped a lot of flak for his antics in recent clashes with Barcelona but he has received some words of encouragement from a Blancos legend

Roberto Carlos feels that Real Madrid's Pepe will learn to control his aggression in time but argued that the defender plays in the true style of the club.

The Portugal international has come in for a lot of criticism for his antics in recent clashes with Barcelona, most notably during the first leg of last month's Copa del Rey quarter-final tie between the two great rivals when he was accused of deliberately stamping on Lionel Messi.

However, Roberto Carlos feels that while Pepe does need to play with a more restraint, the centre-half is the perfect embodiment of the fighting spirit so many Madrid players have exhibited through the years.

"If Raul always got the great goals against Barcelona and was said to be the fan favourite, Pepe wants to [be a fan favourite] with his style of play: with his aggressiveness," the former Los Blancos ace is quoted as saying by LaSexta Deportes.

"He's young and will learn to be calmer. But he has Madrid's style: a real fighter."

Meanwhile, the 38-year-old Brazilian admitted that he had some sympathy for Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been chastised for his performances last month.

However, Roberto Carlos was quick to point out that the Santiago Bernabeu is an unforgiving place to ply your trade.

"I was surprised that the fans booed [him]," the legendary full-back admitted. "[But] he is the reference point for Madrid and when you make mistakes, people criticise you."

Madrid are currently leading La Liga, with Jose Mourinho's men seven points clear of Barca at the top of the table, and Roberto Carlos is in no doubt that they can hold off the challenge of the Catalans.

"Madrid have already demonstrated in the Copa del Rey last year that they can beat Barcelona," he added.

Roberto Carlos announced last month that he intends to call time on his playing career later this year.

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