Back to the Crystal Palace Newsfeed

Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Juventus and Instagram: Breaking down this week's most surprising transfer rumour

Social media is a boon for athletes because it allows them to speak directly to the world. No filters, no club press officers, no sponsor PR reps, no misquotes. Just their voice, with their chosen words and the opportunity to clarify and rectify. Somebody probably should have told Cristiano Ronaldo's social media team, because even as Tuesday night's Instagram post passed 12 million likes, it ends up raising more questions than it answers.

With fresh rumours and speculation continuously blowing in through the open transfer window, clubs and players -- understandably -- pick their spots to speak out.