The Cristiano Ronaldo-Rafael Benitez relationship appeared doomed from the start, with the 30-year-old upset to see the Spaniard replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager at Real Madrid.
Several reports of the three-time Ballon d’Or winners discontent with the former Liverpool and Napoli boss followed, with rumors that the Portuguese ace confessed to club president Florentino Perez that Los Blancos will win no silverware under Benitez.
Furthermore, the former Man United winger is also believed to have given Perez an ultimatum, threatening to leave Santiago Bernabeu if Rafa remains on as manager.
Now, when things between player and manager appeared to be cooling down, rumors of a fresh row between the two has surfaced.
According to Goal, who cite El Chiringuito as the source, a request made by the 55-year-old to the 30-year-old goalscoring machine has further damaged their relationship, sparking anger in the Portugal captain towards the manager.
What is it that Benitez requested of Ronaldo that resulted in new row? To undertake biometric study to help the player improve his scoring fro free-kick.
In Les Merengues’ 8-0 thrashing of Malmo, the 10-time Champions League winners’ last group stage game of this season, Ronaldo scored from a free-kick en route to his 4-goal haul, ending a nearly seven-month drought.
Although the player could stand to benefit, the request has not been received well by the Real Madrid all-time record goalscorer.
The feud between Cristiano and Rafa is nowhere near resolution, but worry not, as one of the two is tipped with a Santiago Bernabeu exit.
