Cristiano Ronaldo has certainly had a roller coaster week. The striker faced backlash last week after criticizing his Real Madrid teammates. After a week of rumors surrounding Ronaldo's future with the club, he silenced a number of fans by netting four goals in a La Liga win against Celta Vigo. After fans called for Real Madrid to sell off Ronaldo, manager Zinedine Zidane denied the idea.
Ronaldo was the highlight for Real Madrid over the weekend as his four goals were more than enough to get the La Liga win and help the club bounce back before a Champions League match Tuesday. The performance came after plenty of Real Madrid fans spoke out against the striker in hopes the club would sell his rights. Zidane, making it clear that he is the coach, said that is not happening.
"I don't [think Ronaldo should be sold]. And I am the coach and I like Cristiano," said Zidane. "The jeers, I also got them when I played, we all did. It is not about the player. It is about the fans demanding more from their players. I think [the whistling] is the best thing for the players because it helps them improve."
Much of that towards Ronaldo came after the forward criticized his teammates for not being up to his level. Real Madrid has been dealing with a number of injuries that contributed to a loss against Atletico Madrid. Zidane downplayed the drama, saying Ronaldo has apologized to his teammates and everyone was on the same page. That proved true in the Saturday win.
"Cristiano talked with everyone, with me, with the players," Zidane said. "Now it is something that is past. Cristiano, we know, the importance he has. We are all with him. That issue is over. What is important is what is in front - and we will go forward all together."
If Real Madrid is going to save its La Liga season and continue on in Champions League play, they need Ronaldo. There have been plenty of rumors regarding transfers to the Premier League and MLS, but the forward is the most important piece of the team and Real Madrid cannot afford to let him go. Ronaldo leads La Liga play with 27 goals on the season as Lionel Messi chases him in second place. The critics will continue to be there, but Zidane made it clear that it is Ronaldo filling the seats in each match.
"In the end, the supporters love their players and that is what matters. Because I continue to always see the stadium filled. That means a lot," said Zidane.
