Ronaldo open to leaving Real Madrid in 2018

Matt Stead

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo says he could leave the Bernabeu at the end of his contract in 2018.

The 31-year-old has been linked with big-money moves to Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Major League Soccer in recent years, but has remained loyal to the Spanish giants.

However, the Portuguese international, speaking after receiving the Pichichi prize for scoring the most goals in a La Liga season, has revealed that he may not finish his career with Real Madrid.

“I have been in Spain six years. I was also at Manchester United for six years and that was a great experience, a great championship, but for me this is the best league in the world,” Ronaldo told Marca. “It’s a privilege to be here.

“I want to be here for a couple more years and then we’ll see. That’s the duration of my contract and I want to give my all in that time.”

Ronaldo, who lost out to Lionel Messi in the race for the 2015 Ballon d’Or, praised the supporters at Real Madrid during his Pichichi acceptance speech.

“I dedicate this award to the team, to the coaches, the staff and everyone at Madrid,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to score so many goals last season.”