Cristiano Ronaldo speaks about tax evasion claims after Ballon d'Or win
The Real Madrid star feels that he's being treated unfairly and hopes to clear his name soon
Magazine 'France Football' has published an interview with Cristiano Ronaldo after winning the Ballon d'Or in which he refers, for the first time, to the claims he his 150 million euros in image rights to avoid paying as much tax on the money.
The reports, courtesy of Football Leaks, came out in El Mundo and Der Spiegel last week as part of an investigation by a number of newspapers across Europe.
"Of course it has spoiled [winnin the Ballon d'Or] a little bit," the Real Madrid star said. "I would be lying if I said it hadn't. I'm not a hypocrite.
"I don't always say what I think, because sometimes it works against me. But of course I wasn't pleased. The whole process in itself, and it's not necessary to say where all that started, is hard not only for me, but also for the people alongside me: my family, my son, all those who work with me.
"All that irritates me, because I try to do things correctly, be transparent. You just have to type 'Cristiano Ronaldo' on the Internet, and you know everything about me.
"I don't have any reason to lie. Everything is written about me, about my girlfriends... what came out troubles me. Because it's not true. The lie is troubling."
INNOCENT, INNOCENT
Cristiano Ronaldo assured that he is innocent: "When people talk about my private life, my friends, the place I went on holiday, whether or not I have a girlfriend, it's normal (..) but when it's something serious like this, that has to do with the law..."
He continued: "It hurrts because I have done things correctly. In Portugal we say: There are many prisoners who are in jail and are innocent. And it's a bit like that.
"You know you have not done anything wrong and they say you have. But the truth always comes out. Sooner or later."
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