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Real Madrid transfer news: Cristiano Ronaldo ordered by team-mate to snub exit
CRISTIANO RONALDO “must” stay at Real Madrid, insists team-mate Marco Asensio.
Cristiano Ronaldo is understood to be considering his future at Real Madrid after winning the Champions League for a third straight year last month.
He confirmed after the final win over Liverpool that his future plans will soon become clearer.
Ronaldo is understood to be unhappy with Real’s unwillingness to financially back him over tax fraud accusations levelled against him by the Spanish authorities, which he denies.
Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are the two contenders for Ronaldo’s signature, should the 33-year-old call it quits on his Bernabeu career.
But fellow Los Blancos star Asensio hopes the Portugal international stays where he is.
He and Madrid must always go hand in hand
“I cannot imagine playing without him,” Asensio told Marca.
“Cristiano has been, is and will be very important for us.
“He and Madrid must always go hand in hand.”
Asensio, 22, was signed from Mallorca in 2014 and is seen by some as the natural successor to Cristiano Ronaldo at the Bernabeu.
Discussing his progress at the club alongside his team-mates, Asensio admitted he is different to superstar Ronaldo.
“There are (similarities). But it is also (true) that we are different,” he added.
“I like to drop deep a bit more to receive, to be more in touch with the ball and less of the final product.
“But we will see over the years. I am evolving as a footballer, learning and we will see in what position I play in the future.”
Discussing his time at the club, Asensio added: “When I arrived at Real Madrid I came with a lot of enthusiasm and conviction and the truth is that everything went very fast.
“I have been enjoying minutes and I have been growing as a footballer. I have fulfilled my goals and I want to go further.”