As Ronaldo Turns

Like an e-mail that some how slipped through your spam filter claiming “Angelina Jolie XXX Video Free”, nothing good can come from a closer look. Nothing. Not one single thing.

This summer’s Ronaldo headlines elicited a similar feeling, but like many Reds, I’m sure, we did look. Why put ourselves through this anguish?

We have no choice. You know it. I know it.

Most of us can’t help but care - no matter how infuriated we become with the lad. He is that good. Thoughts of Ronnie donning The Number 7 are a glorious vision and brilliant continuation of the legacy of Bestie, Robson, Cantona, and Beckham. This dream dies hard; we hold out our collective hope.

Looking back, concern about Ronaldo’s future began minutes after winning the Champions League. During his post-match comments on Sky, he began well enough, initially speaking in the first-person about his reactions to the match, missing the penalty – all pretty standard stuff. But his comments took a noticeable turn, away from the first-person. He spoke about “feeling very proud for the lads", “they believe all the time” and “the lads deserve to win the Champions League”, a chilling, third-person reference and preview of coming attractions.

You know the rest... Soon Ronnie refuses to pledge his future to United. Calderon starts a slimy PR campaign. Spanish media write about the inevitability of his arrival there. Blatter, Pele, and his third-cousin, once-removed all provide their opinion. Go ahead and just try to tune out this epic saga - way too much is at stake here.

Then, as we all know, comes the big announcement: he’s staying. Our prayers are answered, our collective anguish relieved. It’s done, over, caput.

Or, is it?

Ronaldo's two primary reasons for wanting to leave United remain valid, as quoted in his interview with Bruno Prata in Publico: “I felt that maybe I needed a new challenge. I never hid the fact that I wanted to play in Spain, at Real Madrid in particular, and I thought this could be the right moment... Apart from the challenge, everyone realizes that Spanish and Portuguese culture and lifestyle are more similar.”

Nothing’s changed with either reason, except that Ronaldo won't leave against United’s wishes, and oh, that little detail about the multiple years remaining on contract. Still, the siren-song of culture, lifestyle, and refereeing that protects star players, unlike in the Premiership, continues to speak Ronnie’s name, as he won't rule out moving to Madrid in the future because "nothing is set in stone." Nothing good comes from a closer look indeed.

Like an average-looking bloke dating a super-model, it’s a marvelously sexy relationship now, but deep-down, he knows it will inevitably end prematurely. The question is when, not if. Such is life with our current Number 7.

Enjoy another round of Viva Ronaldo. It may very well be last call.