Zidane hoping for swift end to Ronaldo tax fraud saga
Zinedine Zidane hopes Cristiano Ronaldo joining back up with Real Madrid will bring an end to talk about the forward's tax fraud case.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be back with Real Madrid on Saturday and Zinedine Zidane hopes that will bring a close to questions over the Portugal star's tax fraud case.
Prosecutors allege the 32-year-old, who denies any wrongdoing, has evaded €14.7million in taxes relating to his image rights between 2011 and 2014.
Ronaldo opted not to speak to reporters after making a court appearance in Madrid over the case on Monday.
Instead, Inaki Torres of his management company Gestifute spoke on his behalf, insisting "everything is in order" with the proceedings.
Ronaldo is yet to join up with Madrid for their pre-season preparations due to his involvement in the Confederations Cup with Portugal in Russia.
Madrid face MLS All-Stars to conclude their tour of the United States before returning to Europe to prepare for their Super Cup meeting with Ronaldo's former club Manchester United in Skopje next Tuesday.
Last training session before we take on the team.August 1, 2017
"If he had spoken, there would also be comments. The important thing is what he said to me. He is on holiday and he's calm," Zidane told a media conference.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
"He'll be with us on the fifth [of August] and I hope that, after that day, this topic is closed.
"I don't believe these things hurt him. He's happy because it's over. Now he's calm about the topic of football, he wants to play and he'll be with us on the fifth."
‘Maybe I’ll be signed by Wrexham, who knows? English football would suit me – if an offer came, I wouldn’t think twice, I’d go immediately’ Euro 2024 cult hero reveals his UK dream
‘Managing Leeds? It was an option that appeared, but it wasn’t the right timing. I decided it wasn’t a good idea to leave the club I was at mid-season’: Premier League boss admits to turning down opportunity to replace Jesse Marsch in 2023