Former Man United star says life was more straightforward in England
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted he would like to return to England after revealing his frustration over an investigation into his tax returns.
The 32-year-old former Manchester United man was speaking during a court hearing over claims of tax evasion.
Ronaldo has denied charges of evading tax and hiding details of his income from the Spanish tax authorities.
Prosecutors allege he evaded 14.7million euros (£13.1million) in tax in a dispute over his image rights.
Ronaldo, who earlier this week appeared at magistrates court in a Madrid suburb to answer the charges, has reiterated his innocent plea.
And he claimed life was more straightforward in Manchester, suggesting the furore over paying tax in Spain may lead him return to England.
In quotes carried by Spanish newspaper Cadena Ser, Ronaldo said: “I never had this problem in England, that’s why I’d like to go back.
“I remember when I arrived in England and they told me that that’s how things worked.
“I went to Manchester as an 18-year-old and they advised me this was the best system I could use, just like the other players did. In Spain they told me I’d have to pay more but that there’d be no problems.
“I’ve always paid what I’ve had to pay.”
Ronaldo has scored more than 400 goals for LaLiga champions Real since arriving in 2009 and he won three Premier League titles and the Champions League with United.