The truth behind Cristiano Ronaldo's reported departure from Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly wants out of Real Madrid as he is not willing to live in Spain anymore. The tax scandal is apparently the reason why the Portuguese star is set to leave the club, although something else might be happening behind the scenes.

For instance, this could all be a strategy by agent Jorge Mendes to improve his current deal with Real Madrid after a brilliant end of the season. Cristiano Ronaldo was the main reason behind Madrid's historic La Liga-Champions League double and he might feel entitled to ask for more money. Furthermore, he will almost surely be forced to pay around €30 million to Spain's tax office fairly soon, meaning that this could be a plan to make that fine much easier to afford.

Let's face it: Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn't be angry with Real Madrid. The club is not responsible of his tax issues and they released an announcement shortly after the news of the scandal were published. He can't possibly blame Real Madrid for his current situation and this is not how he should be asking for an extension.

Two weeks ago, Cristiano Ronaldo explained how he wanted to retire with Real Madrid at age 41. What has changed between then and now? Jorge Mendes has always had a difficult relationship with Real Madrid and he might surely be trying to tell Ronaldo this is all Madrid's fault. Jose Mourinho, Ricardo Carvalho, Pepe, Fabio Coentrao, Falcao or Angel Di Maria —all Mendes' clients— had issues with Spain's tax office as well, so Ronaldo should realize that his agent is just trying to use Madrid as a scapegoat here.

Cristiano Ronaldo should never leave Real Madrid at this point and I don't believe he will. He should be angry with Jorge Mendes, not the club. And if he wants a bigger contract, this is not how negotiations should be taken care of.