Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has claimed underhand tactics are driving rumours about Cristiano Ronaldo’s possible departure from the club, insisting there are plenty happy to see pressure heaped upon him.
Los Blancos have been under major scrutiny in the days following Saturday’s 4-0 loss to bitter rivals Barcelona, with Perez calling a press conference on Monday to back manager Rafael Benitez, per Sid Lowe of the Guardian. Perez has also sought to pour water over festering speculation that Ronaldo, who has cut a frustrated figure as of late, could be on his way out, per Chisanga Malata of the Daily Star:
Those who say I want to sell Cristiano do so in an attempt to destabilise [my position].