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Rabat – Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most celebrated footballers in history, has not escaped the jaw of the #MeToo movement.
The Juventus and Portugal star, 33, who was accused in 2016 of rape by an American woman, Kathryn Mayorga, 34, has accused Real Madrid of being behind the allegations.
Ronaldo allegedly claimed that the Spanish club has not been able to get over his brisk departure this summer. He said Madrid has resorted to blackmail and “manipulations” to tarnish his image.
Read Also: Las Vegas Police to Reopen Cristiano Ronaldo Rape Case
According to Italian daily La Repubblica, the five-time world player of the year is convinced that the recent spiral of negative events—the controversial red card against Spanish side Valencia on September 19, the resurgence of news about the rape allegation, and the ensuing concern from his sponsors—are all the work of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.
Since December 2017, even while he still was the top star at Real Madrid, Ronaldo was known to be on bad terms with Perez, La Repubblica noted.
Ronaldo left the Spanish side this summer, sparking hordes of speculations about the underlying reasons behind a negative end to nine outstanding seasons with Madrid.
Mayorga claims that the Portuguese footballer raped her in June 2009, but Ronaldo has categorically denied the allegations. He said that he has evinced professionalism to everyone who has met him over the years and that his “conscience is clear.”
Meanwhile, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has opened an investigation into the matter. Giant sportswear company Nike, one of the Portuguese star’s many sponsors, said that it is “deeply concerned” about the allegation.
