Portugese super-agent Jorge Mendes has been called “the most powerful man in football” by some. As he represents (or has represented) some of the biggest names in the sport (Diego Costa, Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, Jose Mourinho, David de Gea and many many more) the label applies.
Mendes is a controversial figure who has been accused of breaching FIFA regulations regarding third party ownership, having excessive influence in club affairs (especially in his native Portugal), corruption and conflict of interest in player representation.
However, when Jorge Mendes speaks, people listen. And they should, because he has massive clout. And Jorge Mendes is talking about the rumors that Ronaldo wants to return to Manchester United.
He said: “Cristiano Ronaldo is the best player ever. He is impressing. He keeps improving and he is affectionate to Manchester United, but he wants to stay at Real Madrid.”
“He is happy there, he has a great relationship with the President, and has a long contract: he will retire at Real Madrid.
“There won’t be any player as good as him for the next 500 years. He is never happy with what he got. He wants more and he wants to improve.
“He is humble, a great father, and the son everyone would like to have. His dream is to win the Champions League again.”
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and very often writes The Sports Bank.net ,which is partners with Fox Sports. Read his features stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye edition. Listen to him on 1620 The Zone. Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks). His work has been featured in hundreds of media outlets including The Washington Post and ESPN 2