Real Madrid visit Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday in what is the first major exam for the Rafa Benitez project in Europe. It comes after two tough tests in Spain: an important win at San Mames and a draw at Atletico Madrid that felt more like a loss. But there is another added ingredient in this fixture: the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo at the home of one his biggest admirers.
If Ronaldo has ever been curious about what life would be like at the Parisian club, Wednesday will provide him with an accurate idea. And, who knows, that could ultimately be one of the factors behind a possible departure from Real Madrid.
There are many people who suggest that an exit could be closer than ever, especially now that Ronaldo has managed to etch his name into the club's history books by surpassing Alfredo Di Stefano (307 goals) and Raul Gonzalez (323) to become Madrid's all-time top scorer. Just over a year ago, Goal was alerted to the possibility of such a move away from the Bernabeu after speaking to sources close to the player himself."Cristiano talks about Manchester United all the time," a friend said. "The club had a difficult time last season (in 2013-14), but he expects them to return to the top very soon. He is seduced by the idea of finishing his career at Old Trafford. He has great memories - it was his happiest time as a footballer."
Ronaldo also loves Madrid, of course, and he wants to be remembered as not only the club's greatest goalscorer but as the best ever player. Throughout this year, though, Goal has learned that many within the club believe that Ronaldo may move on sooner rather than later; whispers of a hypothetical departure for the Portuguese forward are widespread behind the scenes at Real.
There is certainly some evidence to support that belief. Ronaldo's contract runs out in 2018 and there is no sign of another renewal, while his affinity with former coach Carlo Ancelotti and captain Sergio Ramos upset the player in the summer after both were badly treated.
There is also the lack of trophies to go with his individual awards, Madrid's sudden support of his theoretical heir Gareth Bale, the alleged meeting between Florentino Perez and PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi in France (denied by both parties) and the fact that time is taking its toll on Ronaldo. At almost 31, his physique is not what it once was and he is participating much less in overall team play, even if the goals are still flying in.
These are only voices that circulate around both Real Madrid and the player, but they have led many to believe - as the old proverb goes - that "there is no smoke without fire". Perhaps as a response to all the rumours, there have been several declarations of love between the club and Cristiano. President Perez, for example, confirmed that Ronaldo's exit would only be possible if another side paid his buy-out clause while revealing that he hopes Ronaldo "continues to give joy to the team for much longer".
Especially striking was the tribute paid by Florentino to the Portuguese during the last Members Assembly when the club chief singled the forward out for high praise, with Ronaldo responding positively in an interview with
Marca soon after.
"I dream of retiring at Real Madrid," he said. It was a statement with a firm intention that has not been seen in recent times, with the Portuguese usually opting for the postscript: "You never know what can happen in the future."
So recent developments would suggest that Madrid and Ronaldo are more connected than they have been for some time. Given the previous history of disagreements between player and club, however, PSG will not give up hope of landing the Portuguese forward sooner rather than later; indeed, Goal can confirm that the Ligue 1 leaders have remained in fluid and constant contact with Ronaldo.
In the meantime, Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has already been introduced to the Parisian club through Angel Di Maria, one of Cristiano's former Madrid team-mates and a big summer signing for PSG. There have been many meetings between Mendes and Al-Khelaifi since then, with a view to building an even stronger relationship and Ronaldo always at the forefront of their talks.
In Paris, Ronaldo's recent declaration of love for Madrid has been interpreted rather differently: more as an invitation to a renewal of his contract (which ends in 2018) than a specific desire to end his career with Los Blancos. That is, as a means of safeguarding his future while offers come in from elsewhere - PSG among them.
Goal also understands that the Ligue 1 club are reluctant to wait until 2017 for a 32-year-old Ronaldo, and are increasingly confident they can do a deal in eight months' time. It could, therefore, be 'now or never', and while the relationship between Ronaldo and Real seems stronger than before, the same can also be said for Cristiano and PSG.
On Wednesday, then, the Portuguese will inevitably be the main attraction for both teams in their Champions League clash at the Parc des Princes. It is a position Ronaldo is used to being in
"Ronaldo's influence on games has diminished, there's no doubt about that" Balague told Sky Sports. "The best Real Madrid ended in December after the Club World Cup and 22 consecutive victories. After that, according to [Real Madrid president] Florentino Perez himself, the team went into decay. That affected everybody, especially Ronaldo."
