Jorge Mendes opens up on his split with Cristiano Ronaldo after his bitter Man United exit
Cristiano Ronaldo’s permanent agent Jorge Mendes talks about his split from the ‘machine-like’ star after he failed to find him a better transfer than moving to Saudi Arabia… and says they are still ‘close’ are
Jorge Mendes has been candid about his relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming they are still ‘close’ despite severing professional ties last year.
Ronaldo reportedly split from his agent after a disagreement over his interview with Piers Morgan, which led to his acrimonious departure from Manchester United.
In addition, Ronaldo allegedly fell out with Mendes after demanding the super-agent make him a deal with Bayern Munich or Chelsea last summer.
When Mendes failed to secure a deal with either club, Ronaldo – who eventually signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr – ended their partnership.
However, Mendes is adamant that he and Ronaldo are still close. He told reporters, “Our personal relationship remains close, a great personal relationship.”
Jorge Mendes (right) says he is still ‘close’ with Cristiano Ronaldo (above) and insists they have a ‘great personal relationship’ despite severing professional ties last year
Ronaldo divorced his long-serving agent after a disagreement over his interview with Piers Morgan
Mendes praised Ronaldo and claimed that he is the best footballer in the world
Mendes praised Ronaldo and claimed that he is the best footballer in the world. He told reporters, “How do I see this phase of his life? Cristiano will always be in my heart.
“He is a special player and a special person to me. A few years ago, if I thought I could have a player half Cristiano’s worth, I would sign for less! And we Portuguese can all be proud that we have had and still have a player like him.
“I have always said it and I will say it all my life: he was and is the best player in the whole history of world football! I don’t doubt it, not even compared to others.’
Mendes said, “You have to see what he’s done. Football is goals! There is a lot of power there and also a lot of work.
‘He is an example to young people and he has done everything a great professional should do…because he is the best of them all! But it is also true that he was a virtuous player when he was young: you talked about Ronaldinho Gaucho and Messi, but when he was young, Cristiano was also virtuous!
‘And strong in the ‘one on one’, and explosive! Cristiano has turned into a machine! A lot of people never really thought about that growth process that basically made him the best in history. And for me he will always be the best in history.’
Ronaldo and Mendes parted ways after a move to a Champions League side failed to materialize following his acrimonious departure from United.
As a result, Ronaldo’s personal manager and close friend Regufe eventually brokered his £175 million-a-year move to Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo’s personal manager and friend Regufe brokered his £175 million a year move to Al-Nassr
Ronaldo got off to a flying start at the club, but missed out on the Saudi Pro League title after his side drew 1-1 against Al Ettifaq.
As a result, Al Ittihad were crowned Saudi Arabian champions after their 3-0 success away to Al Feiha.
It was a frustrating game throughout for Ronaldo, who couldn’t get on the scoresheet and was substituted in the 84th minute.
However, Ronaldo has scored 14 goals in 16 league appearances for Al Nassr and is the fifth highest scorer in the division this season, although he joined mid-season.