Sportsbet.io's English Premier League Football Pool Discussion Thread

[swogerino]

-snip

17 wins from 19 games in all competitions, but I still don't trust them. I'd wait for 25 game mark and after they've met City to make a judgment call.

it is ok to not trust them, they have a record of five times in a row losing title, when on top for Christmas day, so it is to expect a slide for them
although, I would prefer to see Arsenal getting the title compared to City or even Newcastle

we tanked three pieces against Bournemouth, new low for Everton

Arsenal did not have a title expectation for this year and it happened that they are playing good football,they are already 5 points ahead of City which is a good overall difference and based on their game play they are the ones who can lose the title if they lose this stability.This year most probably is going to be different as they will be playing on 26 December the next game so there is enough time for the team to focus their efforts,mostly psychologically to perform very well even for the remaining part of the season.

As for City they barely won in the 98th minute against Fulham at home and lost against Brentford away,these two are big red flags for me for a team like City.

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[LTU_btc]

Guys, while we are waiting for World Cup and there won't be EPL action until Christmas, what do you think about Ronaldo interview? It's shocking that ppayer talk such things about club when he is still part of it. IMO, player can't be bigger than club and it's no matter who he is. Even Ronaldo. What he does expect, to play 38 games from start until final whistle? And it doesn't matter how he is playing.
Though, he said some right things, like that MU is a mess. It will be interesting to see full version of interview. Main question now - where he will go this winter?

[tokeweed]

^  He should've just gotten his agent to get him a spot at PSG with Messi.  That at least would be the most entertaining outcome for all fans from all countries. 

Anyway since we're all watching the World Cup, can we talk about bets and other stuff about it here itt?  It's less spammy and quality of info is better.  And we been together for what...  5 years or so?  Time flies...  :/

[Igebotz]

Guys, while we are waiting for World Cup and there won't be EPL action until Christmas, what do you think about Ronaldo interview? It's shocking that ppayer talk such things about club when he is still part of it. IMO, player can't be bigger than club and it's no matter who he is. Even Ronaldo. What he does expect, to play 38 games from start until final whistle? And it doesn't matter how he is playing.
Though, he said some right things, like that MU is a mess. It will be interesting to see full version of interview. Main question now - where he will go this winter?

What a shame that he opened his mouth to say he does not respect his manager and that the formal manager is not qualified to be a coach. He did not stop there; he went up to body shame his ex-teammate and the club legend Wayne Rooney. His interview was completely REDline; those are the interviews ex players give, not someone who is still playing. If his contract is not terminated after or before the world cup, then the club would become a laughingstock where anyone could say whatever they wanted without facing consequences. his being a good comedian that an actual professional football for the past 3 years. no player is bigger than his employer (club)

he cant try this with Mourinho or Conte. Lukaku must be proud. no serious club in Europe would want to add such character to their team, we saw what happened last summer.

^  He should've just gotten his agent to get him a spot at PSG with Messi.  That at least would be the most entertaining outcome for all fans from all countries.  

PSG would prefer not to further complicate their already significant situation (Mpabbe).  

[Welsh]

Ronaldo probably went about it the wrong way, but it's not like he's making it up. There's a lot of truth to what he says, which is easily verifiable. However, he would've known a lot of these things before joining, so there's that too. Ultimately, if he was playing, he wouldn't have gone about it this way. Now, I do find it a little bit odd he's been completely dropped, but a lot of us were saying he was an individual, and thought he was bigger than the team, and ever since they've been playing a little better. Doesn't mean it was the right decision, as it might just be by chance they're playing better now.

Anyway, World Cup time I suppose. Probably, the least excited I've been for a World Cup. I think with all the politics surrounding it, and the fact that it's in the middle of the season has put a lot of people off of it. I'm sure I'll tune in to certain games, but I'm not following it like I usually do. I remember years ago when I had a 1 Bitcoin bet riding on Germany to win, and it went to extra time. Fun times . I can't remember the return, but it was a few Bitcoin at the very least. Unfortunately, it wasn't to be.

To be honest, can't wait until the Premier League returns, and the World Cup is done. Weird that considering the World Cup is usually quite a big deal, and the fact that a certain team actually qualified this time...

[Trofo]

Guys, while we are waiting for World Cup and there won't be EPL action until Christmas, what do you think about Ronaldo interview? It's shocking that ppayer talk such things about club when he is still part of it. IMO, player can't be bigger than club and it's no matter who he is. Even Ronaldo. What he does expect, to play 38 games from start until final whistle? And it doesn't matter how he is playing.
Though, he said some right things, like that MU is a mess. It will be interesting to see full version of interview. Main question now - where he will go this winter?

It is not the way to do it but it is what it is. What baffles me most is that he wanted to go away during summer transfer window, why the hell didn't United get rid of him? I don't think anybody is that naive to think Ronaldo will sit on bench and be grateful for opportunity to play last 15 minutes. You know what you get with him, a world class striker a bit of his prime and enormous ego. Either use him or get rid of him, there isn't anything option for compromise here.

Anyway since we're all watching the World Cup, can we talk about bets and other stuff about it here itt?  It's less spammy and quality of info is better.  And we been together for what...  5 years or so?  Time flies...  :/

I don't mind it for sure. And we will probably mention England and premier league players at least couple of times per page So not complete of topic.

[hilariousetc]

Guys, while we are waiting for World Cup and there won't be EPL action until Christmas, what do you think about Ronaldo interview? It's shocking that ppayer talk such things about club when he is still part of it. IMO, player can't be bigger than club and it's no matter who he is. Even Ronaldo. What he does expect, to play 38 games from start until final whistle? And it doesn't matter how he is playing.
Though, he said some right things, like that MU is a mess. It will be interesting to see full version of interview. Main question now - where he will go this winter?

It is not the way to do it but it is what it is. What baffles me most is that he wanted to go away during summer transfer window, why the hell didn't United get rid of him? I don't think anybody is that naive to think Ronaldo will sit on bench and be grateful for opportunity to play last 15 minutes. You know what you get with him, a world class striker a bit of his prime and enormous ego. Either use him or get rid of him, there isn't anything option for compromise here.

Easier said than done. I'm sure both Ronaldo and United wanted him gone but you can't just quickly offload one of the worlds most expensive players on a whim especially when pretty much all of the clubs that can afford him will have already blown their budgets on other players. It looked like they were trying to sort out a transfer right up until the season started but United wouldn't have let him go for free and likely wouldn't have wanted to lose much money on him either so that will have complicated things. Most clubs can't even afford to pay his wages either. Ronaldo also isn't going to go to another team unless it's a top club so I don't think there was many if any options. I'm sure his main criteria was the team had to be in the Champions League so that narrows it down even more. It's going to be interesting seeing what happens to him now. Can United really keep him after what he's said? Will they fully bench him for the rest of the season or could they even just terminate his contract? This situation is pretty much unprecedented. How will this effect his World Cup? If he plays shit I'm sure a lot of clubs won't be interested in signing him and after this debacle are they going to want to take on such a risk with all the drama that comes along with it? What happens if he has a great world cup or Portugal even win it? Will teams be clamouring to sign him or will he manage to make amends with United during the tournament? I think this incident is certainly going to overshadow the event.

[LTU_btc]

What a shame that he opened his mouth to say he does not respect his manager and that the formal manager is not qualified to be a coach. He did not stop there; he went up to body shame his ex-teammate and the club legend Wayne Rooney. His interview was completely REDline; those are the interviews ex players give, not someone who is still playing. If his contract is not terminated after or before the world cup, then the club would become a laughingstock where anyone could say whatever they wanted without facing consequences. his being a good comedian that an actual professional football for the past 3 years. no player is bigger than his employer (club)

he cant try this with Mourinho or Conte. Lukaku must be proud. no serious club in Europe would want to add such character to their team, we saw what happened last summer.

PSG would prefer not to further complicate their already significant situation (Mpabbe).  

You simply can't talk such things when you're still part of club, it's just not professional. And what he said about Garry Neville and especially Rooney just because they criticize him looked so bad. They can't criticize you just because they were your teammates?
I don't believe that MU can terminate contract after this interview. I read that Ronaldo may get £1 million penalty from club, it's something like 2 weeks wage for him.
And I'm sure that there is still plenty of clubs who still would like to have Ronaldo, they just don't have that much money. What isn't allowed for other players is OK for Ronaldo.

It is not the way to do it but it is what it is. What baffles me most is that he wanted to go away during summer transfer window, why the hell didn't United get rid of him? I don't think anybody is that naive to think Ronaldo will sit on bench and be grateful for opportunity to play last 15 minutes. You know what you get with him, a world class striker a bit of his prime and enormous ego. Either use him or get rid of him, there isn't anything option for compromise here.

You have good point, player with such big ego like Ronaldo won't sit happy on bench without getting much time to play. I haven't followed story about Ronaldo wanted to leave club in summer transfer window, but as hilarious said, it's not that easy to sell 37 years old player with huge contract and who alread aren't playing like in his prime.

Anyway since we're all watching the World Cup, can we talk about bets and other stuff about it here itt?  It's less spammy and quality of info is better.  And we been together for what...  5 years or so?  Time flies...  :/

I don't mind, but personally, I'm not going to visit this topic during World Cup often, it's more than enough all these threads dedicated to World Cup

[Igebotz]

You simply can't talk such things when you're still part of club, it's just not professional. And what he said about Garry Neville and especially Rooney just because they criticize him looked so bad. They can't criticize you just because they were your teammates?
I don't believe that MU can terminate contract after this interview. I read that Ronaldo may get £1 million penalty from club, it's something like 2 weeks wage for him.
And I'm sure that there is still plenty of clubs who still would like to have Ronaldo, they just don't have that much money. What isn't allowed for other players is OK for Ronaldo.

Terminating him would cost Manchester United a fortune, but the two weeks' salary penalty (the FA's maximum punishment for a player) plus him sitting on the bench until he finds a new club would suffice. No serious club would want him in their dressing room after what has happened with him, his performance has diminished, he would only be valuable to clubs who want him for business interests.

[Welsh]

No serious club would want him in their dressing room after what has happened with him, his performance has diminished, he would only be valuable to clubs who want him for business interests.

Under Sol I believe he had something like 18 goals, which was only a couple off the top scorers of the league, in a very lacklustre United team. So, I don't think his performances have justified the treatment he has received. Although, I do think it benefited the team him being dropped, and I do recall a discussion in this thread about whether or not they should do it. The thing is, there's a right way to do it, and a wrong way. He probably shouldn't have been alienated like he was, and definitely had a role to play in the team even if that meant not as a first team player every game.

I imagine he could find a move elsewhere, he'd just have to drop his wage for that to happen.

[Harkorede]

You simply can't talk such things when you're still part of club, it's just not professional. And what he said about Garry Neville and especially Rooney just because they criticize him looked so bad. They can't criticize you just because they were your teammates?
I don't believe that MU can terminate contract after this interview. I read that Ronaldo may get £1 million penalty from club, it's something like 2 weeks wage for him.
And I'm sure that there is still plenty of clubs who still would like to have Ronaldo, they just don't have that much money. What isn't allowed for other players is OK for Ronaldo.

Terminating him would cost Manchester United a fortune, but the two weeks' salary penalty (the FA's maximum punishment for a player) plus him sitting on the bench until he finds a new club would suffice. No serious club would want him in their dressing room after what has happened with him, his performance has diminished, he would only be valuable to clubs who want him for business interests.

I don't think there is any way back for both parties from this outburst, I think Ronaldo knew exactly what he was doing and waited for the World Cup Break before having the interview and going against all those that have at some point rated him as the best player in the history of football simply because he won't bring himself to admit that there's been a decline in his performance and age is eventually catching up with him, I believe these are those times when you just need to keep quite and try to up your game and prove them wrong, everyone have been at the stage at one point or the other and Ronaldo ego makes him believe he is immune to critics, and his antics even when on the pitch shows all he's about is just his goals and not the team at large, so he's fine with calling people out and referring to his personal accolades but wouldn't accept he's no longer that person.

[hilariousetc]

You simply can't talk such things when you're still part of club, it's just not professional. And what he said about Garry Neville and especially Rooney just because they criticize him looked so bad. They can't criticize you just because they were your teammates?
I don't believe that MU can terminate contract after this interview. I read that Ronaldo may get £1 million penalty from club, it's something like 2 weeks wage for him.
And I'm sure that there is still plenty of clubs who still would like to have Ronaldo, they just don't have that much money. What isn't allowed for other players is OK for Ronaldo.

Terminating him would cost Manchester United a fortune, but the two weeks' salary penalty (the FA's maximum punishment for a player) plus him sitting on the bench until he finds a new club would suffice. No serious club would want him in their dressing room after what has happened with him, his performance has diminished, he would only be valuable to clubs who want him for business interests.

A lot of clubs will still gladly take him but I'm sure his recent behaviour will make some clubs hesitant or make them think twice now. I think he has to be careful with his attitude because at the tail end of his career it might force him to retire early if he can't get the big clubs and at his age I think he's going to go downhill fast and a lot of teams won't want the risk along with the high price tag. I really can't ever see Ronaldo playing for some shitter like a lot of greats past their prime end up doing so if he can't play for a prestigious club he will probably have to retire unless he goes back to Portugal to his boyhood team. I'm not sure what he'd do after football. I can't really see him as a manger either and I don't think he'd make a good pundit  .

I don't think there is any way back for both parties from this outburst, I think Ronaldo knew exactly what he was doing and waited for the World Cup Break before having the interview and going against all those that have at some point rated him as the best player in the history of football simply because he won't bring himself to admit that there's been a decline in his performance and age is eventually catching up with him, I believe these are those times when you just need to keep quite and try to up your game and prove them wrong, everyone have been at the stage at one point or the other and Ronaldo ego makes him believe he is immune to critics, and his antics even when on the pitch shows all he's about is just his goals and not the team at large, so he's fine with calling people out and referring to his personal accolades but wouldn't accept he's no longer that person.

I said even before the start of the season he would have left if he could have got a contract sorted out in time before the transfer window closed and it looked like both him and Man U would have preferred that but it just didn't happen as there's few clubs who can afford his wages. I'm sure he'll go in the next window though. He's kind of forced their hand now so they'll probably let him go at a cut rate or even a loss especially if they would just be benching him otherwise. I think the window opens on the first of Jan so with the World Cup happening in a few days I'm sure his agent will be busy behind the scenes trying to get a deal done.

[Harkorede]

I said even before the start of the season he would have left if he could have got a contract sorted out in time before the transfer window closed and it looked like both him and Man U would have preferred that but it just didn't happen as there's few clubs who can afford his wages. I'm sure he'll go in the next window though. He's kind of forced their hand now so they'll probably let him go at a cut rate or even a loss especially if they would just be benching him otherwise. I think the window opens on the first of Jan so with the World Cup happening in a few days I'm sure his agent will be busy behind the scenes trying to get a deal done.

I'm even thinking of a mutually terminated contract ? That could work too, probably the best case scenario imho, since he's bound to leave freely next summer right ? I guess that could be the best option for Man United, because I'm sure any team willing to get Ronaldo now would try not pay any type of transfer fee given his enormous wages and the circumstances surrounding both parties, and benching Ronaldo all season long would affect both parties too, because Ronaldo would have to get paid regardless, but himself not playing any competitive game for more than 6 months would it's adverse effect on him too.

[Welsh]

I'm even thinking of a mutually terminated contract ? That could work too, probably the best case scenario imho, since he's bound to leave freely next summer right ? I guess that could be the best option for Man United, because I'm sure any team willing to get Ronaldo now would try not pay any type of transfer fee given his enormous wages and the circumstances surrounding both parties, and benching Ronaldo all season long would affect both parties too, because Ronaldo would have to get paid regardless, but himself not playing any competitive game for more than 6 months would it's adverse effect on him too.

I doubt it. It doesn't look like they are seeing eye to eye right now. So, them reaching an agreement amicably probably isn't going to work. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if the Glazers hit back at Ronaldo, and went looking for damages to reputation. It could potentially get really messy from here on out. Although, I imagine he'll just be fined, and they'll look to offload him.

When does his contract expire? I'd say that's the most likely option out of all the options, run down his contract, and he finds a new team after that fact. I do feel for the fans, and Ronaldo. He's been hushed out, but the fans have basically lost a legend. They basically idolized him, and I'm not sure if that'll be the case after this since he didn't just come after the owners, he seemed to come after some previous team mates too, which I found a little odd.

[Igebotz]

No serious club would want him in their dressing room after what has happened with him, his performance has diminished, he would only be valuable to clubs who want him for business interests.

Under Sol I believe he had something like 18 goals, which was only a couple off the top scorers of the league, in a very lacklustre United team. So, I don't think his performances have justified the treatment he has received.

He had all of the players playing for him, which cost the team two managers and two years of champions league qualifications. In addition, the majority of those goals weren't point-earners; instead, they were either an equalizing goal or a consolation goal. The team finished second the season before Ronaldo joined the club, thus I'd argue they were better off without him..

I don't think there is any way back for both parties from this outburst, I think Ronaldo knew exactly what he was doing and waited for the World Cup Break before having the interview and going against all those that have at some point rated him as the best player in the history of football simply because he won't bring himself to admit that there's been a decline in his performance and age is eventually catching up with him.

We are witnessing Ronaldo's endtime; the only reason he is working so hard to find a more balanced squad where he would merely sit and score is to keep the GOAT debate alive. No more pressing, pace and  dribbling; the only skill that is left is his shooting. If he retires after the world cup, I won't be shocked.

I can't really see him as a manger either and I don't think he'd make a good pundit  .

Great players rarely make good managers; he may end up as a pundit on Sky Sports, which is full with controversial ex-players.

[hilariousetc]

I said even before the start of the season he would have left if he could have got a contract sorted out in time before the transfer window closed and it looked like both him and Man U would have preferred that but it just didn't happen as there's few clubs who can afford his wages. I'm sure he'll go in the next window though. He's kind of forced their hand now so they'll probably let him go at a cut rate or even a loss especially if they would just be benching him otherwise. I think the window opens on the first of Jan so with the World Cup happening in a few days I'm sure his agent will be busy behind the scenes trying to get a deal done.

I'm even thinking of a mutually terminated contract ? That could work too, probably the best case scenario imho, since he's bound to leave freely next summer right ? I guess that could be the best option for Man United, because I'm sure any team willing to get Ronaldo now would try not pay any type of transfer fee given his enormous wages and the circumstances surrounding both parties, and benching Ronaldo all season long would affect both parties too, because Ronaldo would have to get paid regardless, but himself not playing any competitive game for more than 6 months would it's adverse effect on him too.

Yeah, I guess so but Ronaldo would probably come out on top with that deal as he will likely just move on to the same wages or maybe take a little pay cut and United will be out untold millions if they let him go for free, though maybe they'll agree to terminate his contract but the club he leaves for has to either buy him or compensate them.

When does his contract expire? I'd say that's the most likely option out of all the options, run down his contract, and he finds a new team after that fact. I do feel for the fans, and Ronaldo. He's been hushed out, but the fans have basically lost a legend. They basically idolized him, and I'm not sure if that'll be the case after this since he didn't just come after the owners, he seemed to come after some previous team mates too, which I found a little odd.

It was probably on a per season basis, but I don't think either parties want to be where they are now and both will want to be out of the door. You can't really disrespect a club like that and expect to keep your place. What he's done is pretty much unprecedented, and if they allow it it sets a very bad precedent for the future so they kind of need to get rid of him. Ronaldo doesn't want to be there and United don't want him or can't really keep him now so he probably needs to go. I'm sure both the club and his agent are going to be using this month plus break to get a deal done.

I can't really see him as a manger either and I don't think he'd make a good pundit  .

Great players rarely make good managers; he may end up as a pundit on Sky Sports, which is full with controversial ex-players.

He's not really a good talker though so I can't see him as a pundit. The money isn't good either. Maybe he will do one off things but being a pundit almost certainly isn't where he will end up.

[Igebotz]

I can't really see him as a manger either and I don't think he'd make a good pundit  .

Great players rarely make good managers; he may end up as a pundit on Sky Sports, which is full with controversial ex-players.

He's not really a good talker though so I can't see him as a pundit. The money isn't good either. Maybe he will do one off things but being a pundit almost certainly isn't where he will end up.

He has already made it plain that he would retire if Portugal wins the world cup, he knows his time is off but he is a prideful man and refuses to admit it. At his age, he should have been enjoying football in America or China for a large salary, but the GOAT thing has ruined him. He enjoys fashion, but I doubt he'd pursue modeling. However, he thinks coaching is simple, so he might want to become one.

[Harkorede]

I can't really see him as a manger either and I don't think he'd make a good pundit  .

Great players rarely make good managers; he may end up as a pundit on Sky Sports, which is full with controversial ex-players.

He's not really a good talker though so I can't see him as a pundit. The money isn't good either. Maybe he will do one off things but being a pundit almost certainly isn't where he will end up.

He has already made it plain that he would retire if Portugal wins the world cup, he knows his time is off but he is a prideful man and refuses to admit it. At his age, he should have been enjoying football in America or China for a large salary, but the GOAT thing has ruined him. He enjoys fashion, but I doubt he'd pursue modeling. However, he thinks coaching is simple, so he might want to become one.

I think he'll make a terrible coach too, I like his passion and hunger for success at every given opportunity, but if he becomes a coach, I really can't see beyond a Mourinho v2.0 but with probably zero titles to show for it and it will be easier to point fingers at his players, at every chance he gets. Ronaldo right up till now still gets upset and shows it evidently if he is through on goal and teammate probably unintentionally didn't see him, and as such goes all the way for the goal opportunity in a somewhat selfish manner, at his age and experience garnered you'd expect him to be able to overlook these things occasionally but he never does, and he's barely being friends with players from his previous clubs, especially if they get to give a positive about another player for being good or the best even without making comparison with him, I think he just needs to learn a lot about being humble enough, he arguably is one of the best player to have ever graced a football pitch, and his records and numbers are there to speak for him, so I really wonder if he would have been able to handle to half the criticism that Messi have gotten over the years of Barcelona woes and his first season at PSG, especially during international duties woes too despite it being obvious that Messi actually did well in some of those tournaments but it takes more than just one player to win a trophy, I actually hate to compare both players for any reason whatsoever, because I believe they are two completely different players, but some actions are rather just not excusable.

[Harkorede]

I said even before the start of the season he would have left if he could have got a contract sorted out in time before the transfer window closed and it looked like both him and Man U would have preferred that but it just didn't happen as there's few clubs who can afford his wages. I'm sure he'll go in the next window though. He's kind of forced their hand now so they'll probably let him go at a cut rate or even a loss especially if they would just be benching him otherwise. I think the window opens on the first of Jan so with the World Cup happening in a few days I'm sure his agent will be busy behind the scenes trying to get a deal done.

I'm even thinking of a mutually terminated contract ? That could work too, probably the best case scenario imho, since he's bound to leave freely next summer right ? I guess that could be the best option for Man United, because I'm sure any team willing to get Ronaldo now would try not pay any type of transfer fee given his enormous wages and the circumstances surrounding both parties, and benching Ronaldo all season long would affect both parties too, because Ronaldo would have to get paid regardless, but himself not playing any competitive game for more than 6 months would it's adverse effect on him too.

Yeah, I guess so but Ronaldo would probably come out on top with that deal as he will likely just move on to the same wages or maybe take a little pay cut and United will be out untold millions if they let him go for free, though maybe they'll agree to terminate his contract but the club he leaves for has to either buy him or compensate them.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.

The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford." - https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1595107357159297029

I guess that's what we both saw coming, I'm sure more informative details will come to light over the next few days as insiders begin drop them, I'm however sure that the loses would have been incurred on both sides, I'm pretty surprised that they were able to find a common ground to terminate mutually this soon.

[hilariousetc]

"Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave Manchester United by mutual agreement, with immediate effect.

The club thanks him for his immense contribution across two spells at Old Trafford." - https://twitter.com/ManUtd/status/1595107357159297029

I guess that's what we both saw coming, I'm sure more informative details will come to light over the next few days as insiders begin drop them, I'm however sure that the loses would have been incurred on both sides, I'm pretty surprised that they were able to find a common ground to terminate mutually this soon.

Surely the brunt of the losses will be with Manchester. Ronaldo will obviously be losing his wages but I'm almost certain he will sign with another club in the January transfer window whereas Man U have lost out on potentially selling him and paying him all that money for barely any playing time. It will be interesting to see what happens/where he goes as not many clubs can afford him nor will the big clubs likely have any money left over due to the fair play rules but I wonder if they can get around that since he will be on a free transfer and could take reduced wages so he at least gets to play Champions League football? I wonder if there's any rules on the minimum wages a player can get? Could we see Ronaldo playing for minimum wage of £9.50 an hour just so he gets to play?