Cristiano Ronaldo is unhappy at Real Madrid, according to The Telegraph.

News of the 27 year-old’s dissatisfaction emerged after Real Madrid’s 3-0 domination over Granada last night. The match featured a superb home debut for Luka Modric, as well as a brace from Ronaldo who refused to celebrate his goals. These goals brought Ronaldo to 150 goals in just over 3 seasons.

The second sign of Ronaldo’s displeasure came in his post-match interviews – the Telegraph quoted the player as saying the following after the victory:

“I’m sad – when I don’t celebrate goals it’s because I’m not happy. It’s a professional thing. Real Madrid know why I’m not happy.”

Nevertheless, according to the Telegraph, this does not mean the Portuguese forward will necessarily leave the club – as they say while it would be easy to suggest that the forward’s relationship with Real is at breaking point, few in Spain actually expect him to leave.

The Telegraph include a quote from the editor of Spanish newspaper AS, Alfredo Relano, who said: “He [Ronaldo] wants more money. A while ago he was talking about a contract for life. But the price of a superstar has gone up after all the goals he has scored and after all Madrid have won.”

So could this discontent merely be a question of money? The Telegraph certainly seem to suggest as much, claiming that Real’s 1bn buy-out clause is an impediment to even the richest clubs and that the reality is that the situation relates to the player’s determination to force Real to reward his status as, in his own eyes, one of the most iconic figures in world football.

The same report also cites a report from Madrid-based newspaper Marca, which stated that Ronaldo has told Perez that he does not feel ‘wanted’ at the club, despite comments made by his Brazilian team-mate Kaka:

“All I want to say to him is that he has the whole support of the team. We need Cristiano and we need him to be happy.”

Ronaldo’s behaviour came as no shock to his agent Jorge Mendes, who insisted he was fully aware of the player’s issues before the very public revelation:

“Ronaldo’s comments are based on things I am aware of and he is at liberty to divulge them if he chooses.

These comments have not surprised me and certainly not upset me. Those who know the relationship I have with Ronaldo know that he can always count on my solidarity.”

Whatever the reason for Cristiano Ronaldo’s expressions, it will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks. A new contract perhaps?

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