CRISTIANO RONALDO is understood to be in talks with Real Madrid about a contract extension keeping him until 2021 ahead of this weekend’s Champions League final.
The former Manchester United forward’s current agreement runs until 2018 with reports in Spain stating that a new deal is likely to be signed following Saturday’s meeting with city rivals Atletico in Milan.
Ronaldo, expected to shrug off a training ground injury before the big match, has been linked with a potential return to Old Trafford under their incoming manager, Jose Mourinho, but he spoke recently about his desire to remain in Madrid.
“Four years ago, I wasn’t happy because things happened I didn’t like,” he said. “Now I’m happy and I want to continue because I don’t see any club better than Madrid.
“If you put everything in balance, there’s nothing better. Madrid is the best.
“If you were the President would you renew my contract? Of course I want to stay.”
Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has expressed his view that Real enter the showdown with Atletico as the stronger of the two sides.
“I prefer to play in space,” he said. “My game has improved in Spain.
“Atletico are a very physical team, but we hope to counter that. We’ll have to defend. In recent months, that’s something we’ve done better. We defend as a team and attack as a team.
“I’m sure Diego Simeone [Atletico manager] has his thoughts [on how Madrid will play], but we don’t know yet. I guess we’ll be ready for anything, both on the counter-attack and with the ball. We have the better players. In all positions, Real Madrid are better.”
Bale scored as Real defeated Atletico 4-1 after extra-time in the Champions League final two years ago, but he does not believe that should be looked upon as a reliable form guide.
“The final will be a different game [than 2014], but with the same result, hopefully,” said Bale.
“You can see this year’s final in two ways. Reaching a final is good. To not win would be a failure, but not as much as last year. We’re only thinking of winning it. It doesn’t matter who are favourites. There aren’t any for us.
“All trophies are important. When we started the season, we tried to win all that we played for. Now, we dream of the Champions League. I have good memories of San Siro.
“I’m happy here and I’m enjoying my football. I’m enjoying the culture and the language.
“I hope I’ll win another Champions League here.”
While Ronaldo may be about to retire from top-level football at Madrid, Bale appears to be keeping his options open.
“Retire at Madrid? I’m not thinking of retiring at all,” he said. “We’ll see what happens. I have three years on my contract, I’m enjoying my football here and I feel very comfortable.”
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