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Ronaldo drops 'I may leave Real' bombshell
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-02-21 11:01
MADRID, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Brazil striker Ronaldo paved the way for his
departure from Real Madrid at the end of the season by saying he has never felt
loved by the club's fickle fans.
"The fans have never accepted me and
their reaction is something to take into account when thinking about my future,"
the three times World Player of the Year told a news conference on the eve of
Real's Champions League match against Arsenal.
"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.
"I will make a decision at the end of the season. After all the effort I made
to come to this club I don't understand why I'm treated like this," the
29-year-old added angrily on Monday.
"I will decide on my future after the World Cup."
Ronaldo joined Real for 35 million euros ($41.79 million) from Inter Milan
following a brilliant performance at the 2002 World Cup. He is under contract at
Real until 2008.
Although he has been the club's leading scorer in every season since joining
Real he has never managed to win a place in the hearts of the notoriously fickle
Madrid fans.
He was whistled by a section of Real supporters when he was replaced by new
signing Antonio Cassano after he failed to score during a 3-0 win over Alaves at
the weekend.
This season he has struggled with a succession of injuries and has faced
regular criticism from the press over his fitness and weight.
He has not appeared for Real in their present Champions League campaign,
missing their first two group games because of a ban and the rest through
injury.
LITTLE PATIENCE
"I've thought about the way I'm treated and spoken with thousands of people,
but I have never understood why the fans have so little patience with me,"
Ronaldo said. "As soon as I make an error people jeer me.
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