New Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo remains fundamental to the La Liga BBVA giants.
There had been speculation that – like Sergio Ramos – the Portugal superstar had become unsettled at the Santiago Bernabeu, perhaps as a combined consequence of a trophy-less campaign, the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti and the departure of captain Iker Casillas.
Nonetheless, the former Liverpool manager states that the 30-year-old is still key to Los Blancos, and implies that the forward may be handed a more prominent role in the Spaniard’s first campaign in charge:
“He’s a fundamental player for us,” as quoted by Sky Sports.
“By meeting him and starting to exchange our thoughts with each other, we will be able to progress in terms of the dynamic of the group and get to know him better, so as to get the best out of him and so that the team can make the most of everything he has to offer.”
Ronaldo’s future, therefore, looks set to remain in the Spanish capital for the 2015-16 campaign; however, there have been reports that the former Manchester United star could move to Paris Saint-Germain next summer – with Real president Florentino Perez having allegedly met with the Ligue 1 champions’ Qatari owners.
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