5 reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo should stay at Real Madrid

Dispute has arisen in world wide press about Cristiano Ronaldo’s future. Some are of the opinion that he should stay, while others firmly believe that a return to Old Trafford beckons. But among the heated arguments of fans and journalists on both sides, they’ve forgotten to see it from Ronaldo’s perspective. What benefit does he get from staying or going? What does he stand to achieve from deciding to make one final transfer move or staying put.Here’s a look at 5 reasons why he should stay at Real Madrid:

#1 Many records to be broken

Ronaldo is a player on a different level; he doesnt have to associate himself with the goals of lesser players. He is already a great player and has earned his spot in history, but he will want to ensure his spot with a gold plaque, something he can hold onto steadfastly long after his time is up.

The only way to prevent fans from reneging on their promise of forever remembering their heroes is by making and breaking records. Ronaldo has plenty of them, but he can have them all. At Real Madrid, he stands on the verge of being their all-time greatest goal scorer and possibly player.

Ronaldo has scored 265goals in 255appearances at Madrid. The all-time record, held by Raul, with 323 goals, is still a long way off, but not so much that he cant reach it. If he can break it, he will have overshadowed legends such as Raul, Di Stefano and Carlos Santillana, in becoming the greatest player in the history of the greatest club in the world.

#2 Stability

Apart from Real Madrid, Ronaldo’s loyalties lie with Manchester United.

Manchester United is a great club, but of late they have had trouble standing on their feet. United are in a phase of transition with a new manager in Louis van Gaal, who is still identifying his best players and shaping a new identity for the club.

Ronaldo would be just another cog in a machine that hasn’t found its fluency yet. He would be better off spending his peak years at a club that is stable and already built to get the best out of him.

Also, Real Madrid have made it clear that whichever player leaves and whoever comes in, Ronaldo is irreplaceable. That sort of treatment surely merits his stay at the club.

#3 Physicality of the Premier League

Ronaldo is 29 now, he turns 30 next February. Most players see a downturn in their fitness in this period, Ronaldo is lucky in that he appears to be doing the opposite as he has been in peak form and fitness, but eventually even he would decline.

It wouldn’t behove him to ply his trade, in this period of his career, in the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

The Premier League can be punishing, with its fast and physical nature. Ronaldo is, of course, talented enough to countenance the league, but does he want to brawl with the most sturdy defenders in the world or would he rather engage in tactical battles in the La Liga?

With his reputation, he would only invite the scrutiny of the toughest defenders whose only intention is to hurt the opposition – literally.

#4 Carlo Ancelotti

Ronaldo has played with some of the best managers in the game, he doesn’t want for more stewardship or guidance, but in Ancelotti he has a manager who completely trusts him and will let him dictate the style of play as long as he’s consistent.

He doesn’t have to fit into the manager’s pre-set notions about him or adapt to a philosophy that doesn’t suit his style.

There are very few managers out there that can match Ancelotti’s credibility and accomplishments, the likes of Guardiola, Wenger and Van Gaal come to mind, but all these managers have adoted a style of play, which they expect their players to fit into.

Ronaldo deserves a manager that will build a team around him and play to his strengths alone, irrespective of the trends and styles that are in fashion.

Ancelotti has shown that he is probably the most versatile manager around, in terms of modifying his philosophies to fit his personnel. Couple that with Ronaldo’s unique playing style, and you have a match made in heaven.

#5 Rivalry with Lionel Messi

At the level that Messi and Ronaldo play, it is not just about talent or fitness, but also about motivation and inspiration. The battle to be the best is fought at a psychological level.

Ronaldo might not admit it, but Messi does play an important part in him overcoming every setback, in his determination to be the best. There is a battle brewing between the two with each eager to outdo the other. It is best for Ronaldo to stay at Madrid, to ensure that the discourse about who the best is continues.

Players from different leagues are not compared to each other with the same zeal as those in the same league, owing to many factors, but those in the same league can be directly compared with stats, and the discussion is settled every year till there is no longer a comparison to be made.

It’s a classic case of Barcelona vs Real Madrid – Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo.

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Edited by Staff Editor