Skip to content

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo hits back at 'insects' after court appearance

Cristiano Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing over his taxes
Image: Cristiano Ronaldo has denied any wrongdoing over his taxes

Cristiano Ronaldo has posted a bizarre message on social media, a day after appearing in court over tax allegations.

The Real Madrid and Portugal forward spent more than 90 minutes answering the questions of investigating judge Monica Gomez on Monday to determine whether he committed tax fraud worth almost €15m.

On Tuesday night, the 32-year-old took to Instagram and said: "What bothers people is my glow. Insects only attack lights that shine."

According to a statement from his representatives, Ronaldo told the judge he had always filed his tax returns and "never had the intention of evading taxes".

Reports in Spain said the player implied during his court hearing that he was only being investigated because of who he is.

"I am only here because my name is Cristiano Ronaldo," he told the judge, according to Spanish newspaper El Mundo.

Ronaldo had been expected to speak to reporters outside the court after the hearing but instead his spokesman Inaki Torres emerged to announce the player "was on his way home".

Also See:

Inaki Torres, head of communication at Gestifute, the agency which represents Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo speaks to the media after
Image: Ronaldo's spokesman Inaki Torres gave a statement outside the court in Madrid on Monday

Portuguese television SIC also reported that Ronaldo aborted the appearance at the podium set up outside the court because the court hearing had gone badly, with many moments of "tension" between him and the judge.

Ronaldo is not the only footballer to fall foul of authorities in Spain with Barcelona forward Lionel Messi found guilty of tax evasion last year.

The prosecutor has accused Ronaldo of using shell companies outside Spain to hide income made from image rights. The accusation does not involve his salary from Real Madrid and Ronaldo denies any wrongdoing.

In Spain, a judge can suspend sentences of less than two years for first-time offenders.

Ronaldo is not expected to play for Real in Wednesday night's MLS All Stars game in Chicago on Wednesday night, a match you can see live on Sky Sports Football from 2am.

Live MLS

Around Sky