5 reasons why this could be Cristiano Ronaldo's last season at Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo can hold his head high. Ever since he swapped the rainy north-west of England for the sunnier climbs of the Spanish capital, the Portuguese forward has given his all for Real Madrid.Despite a penchant for rubbing people up the wrong way with certain antics, there is no argument as to his professionalism. To coin a well-worn phrase, he eats, drinks and sleeps football.Real have been lucky to enjoy him for the best years of his career to date, but that could all change at the end of the campaign. Here are five reasons why.

#1 He has achieved what he set out to do

Cristiano Ronaldo kisses his trophy as all-time top scorer of Real Madrid, though there is a dispute over one of the goals he scored

So, here we are six years later on the verge of history. On the verge of seeing something that was a stated aim of the player upon signing coming to fruition.

Ronaldo is one goal away from becoming Real Madrid’s all-time top goalscorer, despite the fact that the club have celebrated this already, citing a disputed goal by Pepe as one that should have been attributed to their star no.7.

An incessant rate of scoring goals coupled with a stunning work ethic has ensured that Ronaldo has achieved everything that he set out to do.

Whatever the perception of Cristiano the man is, there is no doubting Cristiano the player. A supreme physical specimen who is utterly absorbed in his job and maintaining the professionalism that comes with being one of the greatest forwards of all time.

It will truly be a sad day for all Madridistas when the player moves on. Best get the white hankies ready because that time could be just around the corner.

#2 He doesn\'t get along with Rafa Benitez

It would seem to be fairly common knowledge that Ronaldo prefers the style and application of Rafa Benitez’s predecessor Carlo Ancelotti than the Spaniard himself. A switch around in the attack has seen the Portuguese forward have to adopt a slightly more marginal role with Gareth Bale as a 10, or Karim Benzema as a traditional number nine.

Although Real have outscored just about everyone this season, Benitez is known to require more of a defensive edge to his teams. For example, he would rather get a 1-0 win than win a game 4-3.

The two were clearly at odds on the training pitch a few short weeks ago, and the “party line” rhetoric that the two get on famously well is nothing more than a smokescreen. When asked at a recent press conference directly whether Ronaldo was the best player in the world, Benitez responded that “he is one of the best players in the world”.

I think you can work out how well that might’ve gone down with a certain person!

#3 He has nothing left to prove in Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo won his second Champions League title with Real Madrid

When Ronaldo signed on at Madrid in 2009, the Santiago Bernabeu had never seen anything like it. A full-to-bursting stadium full of 80,000 supporters just to see the Portuguese sign his contract, say a few words such as “Hala Madrid!” and juggle a few balls. All in a day’s work for a player who would have relished that particular moment.

In any event, so prolific has Ronaldo’s time been at Real that he has nothing left to prove at the club.

All-time leading goalscorer in domestic and European competition and all-time scorer for the club generally, surpassing Raul in the process and in less than half the time it took the legend to accomplish the same feats. Ronaldo’s numbers are quite astonishing and will likely never be equaled in the Spanish capital.

With another Champions League title to add to his collection, plus La Liga, Copa Del Rey and FIFA Club World Cup winners medals in the cupboard from his time with Los Blancos, Ronaldo has nothing left to prove there now.

#4 He is still loved at Manchester United

A fan welcomes Cristiano Ronaldo back to Old Trafford when Real Madrid played Manchester United in the Champions League

There have been times in the past that sections of the Santiago Bernabeu have booed Cristiano Ronaldo. That’s right, a player that has the best goals to games return in their history has still had to suffer the ignominy of hearing boos and abuse from his own supporters.

A player who has always given his all in every single game, no matter whether it was a cup final or a friendly. Every game matters to Ronaldo.

Why would he continue to put up with the same when things don’t go so well? Especially when there is a club that remains in his heart and who love him as one of their own.

Manchester United would welcome him back with open arms tomorrow. He hasn’t played for the club for six years, yet they still chant his name at Old Trafford. “Viva Ronaldo” can often be heard.

Imagine that. Six years away and still so revered. No wonder going back to the red half of Manchester is now under the most serious consideration.

If Sir Alex Ferguson gets involved in the negotiations for United; case closed, deal done.

#5 He will be the main man again

Gareth Bale – being groomed to be the next star at Real Madrid?

With the greatest respect to Cristiano Ronaldo, there appears to be a need from him to be the main man. Constantly.

We see it when a chance falls to one of his Madrid teammates rather than he. Woe betide the colleague if they pass up the opportunity to score too. Gareth Bale found that one out to his cost last season!

During this campaign already, the Portuguese notched five goals against Espanyol. Kudos to the striker for doing so, but it meant little as his side still finished behind Barcelona at the close of play on that particular match weekend.

More and more we are seeing Ronaldo having to share the limelight with Bale, James Rodriguez et al. That isn’t a place that the player necessarily likes to inhabit.

Even his “Siiiiiiii!” goalscoring celebration is heavy on the theatrics. Look at me, I’m here.

Moving to Manchester, he would get his wish again. Frankly there is no one good enough in that current side to even lace Ronaldo’s boots. Physically and metaphorically, he would be head and shoulders above everyone.

Just the way he likes it.