Cristiano Ronaldo refused to speak to the
media after appearing in court on four
charges of tax evasion.
The Real Madrid superstar is accused of
evading £13.1m (€14.7m) in tax since 2010.
He arrived at a court in the Madrid suburb of
Pozuelo de Alcaron around 11am on
Monday morning amid a huge media
presence.
Ronaldo was expected to address the press
after giving a statement but made a swift
exit, with around 200 media and fans
booing outside court.
Head of communication for Ronaldo’s
agency Gestifute, Inaki Toreres, insisted
“everything is correct” as they left court.
It is alleged Ronaldo told the court he would
not have been asked to provide a statement
were it not for his status as arguably the
biggest name in sport.
Spanish prosecutors allege Ronaldo hid
income from his image rights from tax
authorities.
Ronaldo and his management have both
denied the allegations, with the 32-year-old
maintaining his “conscience is clear”.
If the case is sent to trial, Ronaldo has been
warned he could face a hefty fine and a
prison sentence of three-and-a-half years by
experts.
Reports emerged that Ronaldo would look
to quit the club this summer following the
accusations.
However, he is now expected to extend his
stay at the Bernabeu when the court case
comes to an end.
