Leaked footage from Portuguese media publication Correido de Manha shows Cristiano Ronaldo testifying in a Madrid court on August 1 in connection with a tax evasion case against him. He talks about not having such problems in England and how he only has six years of education so he finds all the details difficult to understand. The Real Madrid star is accused of evading up to €14.7 million ($17.3 million) in tax.
The testimony shows a frustrated Ronaldo angry about being forced to be in a courtroom and complain about how he “never had any problems in England”. He then goes on to say, “So, that’s why I...no, I won’t say it...that I’d like to return to England”.
The Real Madrid superstar, widely considered as among the greatest footballers of his generation along with Lionel Messi, also states that he did not understand much of money matters as he only had six years of schooling. “The only thing I know how to do well is to play football,” says Ronaldo.
The 32-year-old defended his innocence throughout the footage, even stating, “I have no idea why I’m here”. He became emotional towards the end of the video, stating, “Look at me in the eyes. I never ever hid anything. I’ve never experienced this in my life”, while making it clear that he felt that he was being singled out for being famous.
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