The current controversy surrounding Sergio Ramos has been experienced by plenty of big-name players in the history of Real Madrid. Hugo Sánchez and Martín Vázquez threatened to leave through envious eyes. Others, like Robinho, rebelled because of money. The most notable in recent years, a player who was signed by Florentino, was Cristiano Ronaldo. The marriage between the player and club went from fatal to one of convenience in just half a year thanks to an economic agreement that suited both parties.
The unhappiness of the Portuguese star stemmed from the UEFA awards gala on August 30, 2012 in Monte Carlo. His biggest rivals, Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi, travelled with the support of the highest authorities from Barcelona, including president Sandro Rosell. Cristiano was accompanied only by one of the vice presidents, Pedro López. He missed the presence of Florentino. The Portuguese star started his fourth season at Real Madrid and found himself unsupported on various occasions. On some occasions he suffered harassment from supporters, he felt that the club did not fully support him in his quest for the Ballon d’Or as he watched on with Messi receiving the backing of Barcelona. In Manchester the club also improved his contract in five of the six seasons he was there, while at Madrid he had not yet seen a pay rise.
Cristiano brought all those emotions to the office of the president on September 1, 2012 to explain his “sadness”. Florentino’s response was totally unexpected for the player. He sought the comfort of a father figure but instead what he received was a slap in the face. “If you go, we will have the money to sign Messi”. The next day, Ronaldo scored twice in a victory against Granada and did not celebrate. “I’m sad…and the people at the club know. It’s nothing personal, it’s a professional matter.”
Cristiano was convinced that he would leave Real Madrid. PSG offered €200 million and United, Manchester City and Monaco were also looking set to offer a generous bonus in the summer of 2015 if he had not renewed with Madrid. In the following months the player publically avoided getting involved in conversations to see if he was over his ‘sadness’. Meanwhile, the Madrid machine had placed Neymar’s name in various media outlets as a possible substitute for the Portugal international. “There are no negotiations to renew the contract of Cristiano,” the president said on June 7, 2013 A few days later news emerged that Florentino wanted him tomake him the highest paid player in the world. Shortly after, Cristiano put on his Facebook page that “all the news about my renewal is false.” And on September 1 Bale arrived for €101 million to remove the poster boy’s presence as the most expensive footballer on the planet. At the time the differences seemed to be irreconcilable but just 15 days later his new contract arrived, keeping at the club until 2018 on a salary of €21 million net per season.