Ronaldo: I’m focused on winning

Cristiano Ronaldo says he is focused on winning for Real Madrid and not on his contract, beating down speculation that he is unhappy with his reported 10-million-euro ($13 million) salary. Ronaldo shocked fans last week by declaring he was “sad” at the Spanish league champions without explaining why, except to insist later that it had nothing to do with money. “I would like to reaffirm, without being concerned about contracts, that my focus is solely on winning every game and every available trophy with the essential company of my teammates and all Madridistas,” Ronaldo said on his Facebook account on Wednesday, referring to the fans. The Real Madrid star and Portugal international also said he was happy with his country’s 3-0 victory over Azerbaijan on Tuesday. “It is now time to return to the club and think only about my club,” Ronaldo added on his Facebook account. Spain’s media have speculated that Ronaldo’s real gripe is his level of pay compared to other top players worldwide. Top-selling Spanish sports daily Marca said this week that Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was ready to offer him a “substantial” pay increase and an extension in his contract, without citing its source. Marca said Ronaldo wanted 15 million euros a year, also without providing a source. The paper says the star forward now earns 10 million euros and is tenth in the list of the world’s best-paid footballers. Gulf News