Madrid to extend Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract until 2021
Real Madrid has reached a deal to extend Cristiano Ronaldo's contract until June 2021, when the three-time world player of the year will be 36.
The Spanish club said the new contract will be signed today. Financial details were not released, although the star forward is expected to remain the team's top-paid player.
The announcement yesterday came a few hours after Madrid defeated Leganes 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium to retain the Spanish league lead.
"The official event for the renewal of Cristiano Ronaldo's contract will take place tomorrow, Monday 7 November at 1:30pm in the presidential box at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium," a statement read.
"The Portuguese forward will extend his contract until 30 June 2021 at the event attended by club president Florentino Pérez and the player himself."
The 31-year-old Ronaldo is in his eighth season with the Spanish powerhouse. He will have played 12 years with the club if he stays through the end of the new contract.
The Portugal forward arrived in Madrid from Manchester United in the summer of 2009. His current contract is due to end in 2018.
The announcement of the new deal comes with Ronaldo facing criticism for an up-and-down start to a season in which he has played below expectations and endured uncharacteristic scoring droughts. He has seven goals in 12 matches with Madrid, and hasn't netted at the Bernabeu in five consecutive games for his worst scoring slump at home.
Ronaldo was jeered by Madrid fans after a recent lackluster performance in the Spanish league.
Ronaldo's season started later than usual as he recovered from a knee injury sustained when Portugal defeated France in the final of the European Championship.
Ronaldo led Madrid to two Champions League titles — in 2014 and 2016 — and to a Spanish league title in 2012. He is two goals short of becoming the first player to score 100 career goals in European competitions
Ronaldo is just the latest Madrid star to have its contract extended past 2020. The club recently reached new deals with Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez.